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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, has announced that they are working with local, state, and federal partners to clear the wreckage along the Fort McHenry Channel following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
They now have a tentative timeline to restore safe navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
After conducting thorough studies and engineering assessments with industry partners, USACE expects to open a limited access channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April.
This channel would support one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore for barge container service and some roll-on/roll-off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port.
USACE engineers aim to reopen the permanent federal navigation channel, which is 700 feet wide by 50 feet deep, by the end of May, restoring port access to average capacity.
Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, USACE commanding general, said the Unified Command had done exhaustive work in the last two weeks, including underwater surveys and structural analysis of the wreckage.
They have developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead.
Spellmon emphasized that safety is their chief priority, but they are committed to working swiftly to clear the channel and restore full service to the port, which is of utmost importance to the nation.
The USACE is supporting the families of the missing and working closely with their partners to aid in the search and recovery of their loved ones.