The projected cost to repair Baltimore's collapsed Francis Scott Bridge has been set at $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, according to the latest financial and engineering developments, a sizable figure that underscores the complexity and scale of the bridge reconstruction effort. The Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that the entire repair and reconstruction project will take approximately 36 months to complete, meaning the region's transportation network will face significant challenges in the coming years.

In order to ease the financial pressure in this process, insurance companies have moved quickly and plan to pay $350 million in insurance claims to Maryland. This funding will significantly assist the State of Maryland in meeting the initial costs of the restoration project and ensuring the smooth progress of the project.

In terms of engineering design, the new design of the bridge has been drafted by architect Carlo Ratti, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Michel Virlogeux, a famous French structural engineer. The two experts are renowned in their respective fields and their collaboration undoubtedly brings world-class expertise and experience to the bridge’s reconstruction efforts.

In addition, Webuild, through its US subsidiary Lane, has made a compelling proposal to replace a cable-stayed bridge. As a modern bridge structure, the cable-stayed bridge has a beautiful appearance and excellent load-bearing capacity, which can ensure that after reconstruction, the Francis Scott Bridge is not only safe and reliable, but also becomes a landmark building in the region.

All in all, the restoration and reconstruction of the Francis Scott Bridge in Baltimore will be a complex and massive project. Through the support of insurance companies, the cooperation of top engineers and innovative design solutions.Editor/Cheng Liting