The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has taken another major step toward rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the project’s main span and marine approaches.
The procurement process marks one of the largest contracts associated with the bridge reconstruction effort and will help identify qualified design-build teams for the next phase of construction.
Interested contractors must submit their statements of qualifications by August 19 to be considered for the next stage of the selection process.
Two-Step Procurement Process Underway
The RFQ officially launches a competitive two-step procurement process that Maryland will use to select the design-build team responsible for constructing the bridge’s main span.
Following the initial qualification review, the MDTA plans to announce a shortlist of selected teams later this year. The winning team is expected to receive a notice to proceed during the summer of 2027.
The procurement is part of Maryland’s broader strategy to accelerate the bridge’s reconstruction while maintaining a competitive and transparent bidding process.
Largest Contract in the Key Bridge Rebuild Program
Earlier this year, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced plans to divide the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild into four separate construction contracts.
The main span and marine approaches package is the largest of those contracts and includes several major components of the new bridge design.
The project scope includes:
- Construction of a cable-stayed bridge featuring a 1,665-foot main span.
- A total bridge length of approximately 3,365 feet.
- Two concrete pylons rising approximately 602 feet above the water.
- A vessel collision protection system designed to improve maritime safety.
- Approximately 660 feet of southern approach bridge over water.
- Approximately 1,560 feet of northern approach bridge over water.
The cable-stayed design is intended to provide improved navigational clearance and enhanced structural resilience for one of Maryland’s most important transportation corridors.
Construction Activities Continue
While the procurement process moves forward, construction activities are already underway at the project site.
Work crews are currently installing permanent foundation piles and constructing temporary trestle structures that will support future construction operations.
State transportation officials have emphasized that ongoing construction and procurement efforts will continue simultaneously to help maintain the project’s schedule.
Additional Contracts Still to Come
The Maryland Transportation Authority will issue separate procurements for the remaining portions of the bridge reconstruction project.
Upcoming contracts are expected to include:
- Demolition of the remaining bridge structures located over water.
- Miscellaneous marine construction activities.
- Construction of the southern land approach.
- Construction of the northern land approach.
Splitting the project into multiple contracts is expected to improve project management and allow specialized contractors to participate in different phases of construction.
A Major Infrastructure Project for Maryland
The Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction remains one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in the United States.
State officials have stated that rebuilding the bridge quickly and safely remains a top priority while ensuring that the final structure meets modern engineering and maritime safety standards.
The issuance of the RFQ represents an important milestone as Maryland continues assembling the construction teams that will deliver the project’s most significant structural elements.
With procurement now underway and construction activities progressing on site, the Key Bridge rebuild continues to move forward toward its next major phase.
