Fallout from Key Bridge Collapse Impacts Businesses as Reconstruction Efforts Begin

As Baltimore awaits the replacement of the fallen Key Bridge, which is estimated to take place in 2028 at a cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, local businesses are grappling with the aftermath of the March 26 collapse. With the closure of the port, seafood restaurants and suppliers are experiencing decreased product supply during an already challenging crab season on the Eastern Shore. The absence of deliveries during regular hours is also posing a significant challenge for some establishments, with owner Anna Guzman stating that “you’re losing the majority of that day.” Federal funding, insurance proceeds, and other forms of reimbursement are being utilized to aid in the reconstruction efforts, with President Joe Biden pledging full support for the recovery and rebuilding initiative. Officials involved in the project believe that the affected shipping channel will be fully functional by the end of May. Additionally, a controlled demolition is set to take place this weekend in an attempt to remove a large portion of the damaged bridge, which may enable the trapped cargo ship, Dali, to be freed and transported back to the Port of Baltimore. This operation is anticipated to facilitate the restoration of the area’s trade routes and potentially bring relief to the affected businesses. While investigations into the cause of the tragedy persist, the US House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure has scheduled a hearing to discuss the incident, featuring testimonies from various authorities such as the NTSB chair and officials from the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Department of Transportation.