Maryland estimates bridge replacement cost at $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion

(Reuters) — The Maryland Department of Transportation said Thursday it estimates it will cost $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and that it anticipates work will be completed by the fall of 2028.

The agency said the estimate “is in line with similar projects of this scale and complexity.”

The container ship Dali crashed into the bridge on March 26, killing six people. Lawmakers in Congress are working on legislation that would waive the current requirement that the state pay 10% of the rebuilding costs and ensure there is enough money in a federal rebuilding fund.

Maryland said it will request proposals to rebuild the bridge by the end of May and plans an industry forum on Tuesday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation provided an initial $60 million in emergency funds Thursday to clear debris and start the process of rebuilding the bridge.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said, “Any funds recovered from lawsuits for wrongdoing will be recouped by federal taxpayers.”