Baltimore, Maryland – In response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Captain of the Port of Baltimore is diligently working to establish a temporary alternate channel for commercially essential vessels on the northeast side of the bridge. This effort comes after the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of six construction workers.
The Key Bridge Response team, along with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, announced the phased approach to opening the main channel, emphasizing the importance of creating an alternate route to support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore. Captain David O’Connell highlighted the significance of this first step in the process of reopening the port of Baltimore.
Officials revealed that the temporary channel will feature government-lighted aids to navigation with specific measurements, including a controlling depth of 11 feet, a horizontal clearance of 264 feet, and a vertical clearance of 96 feet. Despite progress, a safety zone extending 2,000 yards around the Key Bridge wreckage remains in effect to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment.
While no explicit timeline for the operationalization of the temporary channel has been provided, response officials urge seafarers to stay informed through the Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM marine channel 16. Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to report any debris from the Key Bridge collapse by contacting the Debris Reporting Hotline.
As the situation continues to evolve, updates will be crucial for stakeholders in the maritime industry and the general public. The establishment of the temporary alternate channel represents a step forward in the recovery efforts following the bridge collapse, signaling progress towards restoring normalcy in Baltimore’s port operations.
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