In response to the collapsed sections of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, port officials have announced the opening of a third temporary channel for boats to enter and depart the Port of Baltimore. This expansion aims to provide further shipping access as crews work to salvage the bridge before its eventual reconstruction.

The newly opened alternate channel, located to the northeast of the fallen bridge, is accessible to "commercially essential vessels." It boasts a controlling depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters), a horizontal clearance of 300 feet (91.4 meters), and a vertical clearance of 135 feet (41.2 meters). This wider range of dimensions allows for a greater variety of vessels to access the port while the main channel remains closed.

As a result of the additional channel's opening, it is estimated that approximately 15% of the commercial activity that was in place prior to the bridge collapse can now resume. Coast Guard and port Capt. David O'Connell stated that this is a significant milestone in restoring maritime traffic to one of the East Coast's busiest transit hubs.

The first temporary channel was opened on April 1, following the collapse of the bridge on March 26, after being struck by the cargo ship Dali. Efforts to remove the debris from the ship are currently underway, with workers utilizing massive cranes to extract approximately 1,300 tons (1,179 metric tons) of steel so far. This debris must be cleared before the Dali can be returned to the port.

The tragic incident resulted in the loss of six roadwork crew members, with two still missing. Authorities hope that with the progress being made, a channel will be opened by the end of this month to allow most maritime traffic to return to the Port of Baltimore.

This endeavor to create alternative shipping routes demonstrates the resilience and determination of the port officials, Coast Guard, and workers involved in the reconstruction process. With the new temporary channel in operation, the Port of Baltimore takes strides toward steadily regaining its role as a vital hub for maritime transit along the East Coast.