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Maryland Transportation Authority to ‘Off-Ramp’ Progressive Design-Build Contractor for Key Bridge Rebuild Project

Submitted by Tamory Winfield on

Maryland Transportation Authority to ‘Off-Ramp’ Progressive Design-Build Contractor for Key Bridge Rebuild Project

Work will continue as new contractors are selected

BALTIMORE (April 28, 2026) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), in consultation with project partners at the United States Department of Transportation, today informed Kiewit Infrastructure Co. they will not be retained for Phase 2 construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Since the rebuild began, Governor Moore has been abundantly clear that the Key Bridge must be built as safely, quickly and as cost efficiently as possible. It became clear through negotiations that Kiewit’s proposal for Phase 2 construction is unacceptable, far exceeding the state’s independent cost estimates. To get the best value for taxpayers, Governor Moore has directed the MDTA to seek other contractors for Phase 2 construction.  

“At Governor Moore’s direction, MDTA will aggressively protect and advance the interests of Maryland and all taxpayers,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “The MDTA will continue to work in lockstep with the Federal Highway Administration to ensure the Key Bridge is rebuilt as quickly and as cost effectively as possible while keeping safety the priority. That is what Marylanders demand, and that is what Marylanders deserve. We will settle for nothing less.”  

Off-ramping is a standard provision included in progressive design-build contracts when a final price cannot be agreed upon. Kiewit has been executing the Phase 1 contract – including design development that progressed at historic speed from 0% to 70% in only 14 months. However, after negotiations with Kiewit, and in consultation with project partners at the United States Department of Transportation, MDTA will not retain Kiewit’s services for Phase 2 construction. In order to put the best interests of taxpayers first, MDTA will go back to the market to negotiate the best deal to deliver this bridge as quickly and safely as possible. 

“Work will not stop on the Key Bridge Rebuild project,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “Progress will continue, and Kiewit will fulfill their contractual obligation for Phase 1, which includes driving foundation pile and building a temporary trestle.”

Kiewit will continue the work it is contracted to perform in Phase 1. This work is expected to last at least through the end of the year. MDTA will host an industry forum this May to share additional information about next steps in the procurement process. 

 

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Jul 11

Public Event

4:00 PM

Point Breeze

Serious About Safety: State Highway Administration's Commitment to Safer Roads

This month’s Serious About Safety message comes from State Highway Administrator (SHA) Will Pines, who highlights SHA’s continued commitment to building a strong safety culture and supporting MDOT’s overall safety mission. As we move through the summer travel season, roads across Maryland are busier than usual, making it especially important to stay alert, plan ahead, and make safe choices behind the wheel.

Potomac Waterway

July is Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month, a reminder that anyone can find themselves stopped along the side of the road unexpectedly, whether due to a disabled vehicle, a crash, emergency responders, or maintenance crews. In these situations, drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and move over when it is safe to do so. Learn more about Maryland’s Move Over Law, roadside safety, and real-time traffic updates through SHA’s CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) and MDTA's Bay Bridge website.

Jul 16

Finance and Administration Committee Meeting

9:00 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting Homepage. The Finance and Administration Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.

Aug 06

Capital Committee Meeting

9:00 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Capital Committee Meeting Homepage. The Capital Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.