Maryland Issues Pre-Qualification Documents for Key Bridge Main Span Construction
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) issued the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of the main span and water approach spans of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on July 21, formally launching the two-step competitive selection process for design-build teams. This contract is the largest among the Key Bridge reconstruction projects, encompassing the cable-stayed main span, concrete bridge towers, vessel collision protection systems, and water approach spans on both the north and south sides. Interested firms must submit their Statements of Qualifications by August 19.
News Summary
- The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on July 21 for the construction of the main span and water approaches of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- The RFQ initiates a two-step competitive sealed proposal process to select the design-build team for this contract.
- Interested teams can access the official RFQ documents via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage; Statements of Qualifications must be submitted by August 19 to proceed to the second step of the procurement.
In-Depth Analysis
According to MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner in a press release, this procurement follows MDTA's May 19 announcement to split the Key Bridge reconstruction into four contracts. Gartner added that existing construction activities will proceed in parallel with the RFQ, such as teams currently installing permanent foundation piles and trestles.
This procurement is the largest of the four contracts in the Key Bridge reconstruction project. The main span bridge and water approaches contract includes the following:
- Construction of a cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 1,665 feet and a total length of 3,365 feet;
- Two concrete bridge towers with tower tops reaching an elevation of 602 feet;
- Vessel collision protection systems at the main tower piers;
- Approximately 660 feet of southern water approaches;
- Approximately 1,560 feet of northern water approaches.
Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Board Chairman Katie Thomson said in the press release: "Maryland is moving forward with rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and this step is the first major milestone in assembling the construction team."
According to the press release, MDTA will announce a shortlist later this fall and plans to issue a notice to proceed in the summer of 2027. In addition to the main span bridge and water approaches contract, the state agency also expects to issue other procurements for the Key Bridge reconstruction, including:
- Demolition of remaining water structures and miscellaneous marine work;
- Construction of the southern land approaches;
- Construction of the northern land approaches.