Key Bridge emergency extended for the third time

The emergency declaration resulting from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 has been extended for the third time.

It is now in effect through June 22.

Parameters of the Key Bridge emergency remain the same.

Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles assisting relief efforts is waived. This includes motor carriers and drivers transporting equipment and supplies as well as those removing wreckage and debris.

Motor carriers and drivers transporting gasoline, ethanol, propane, natural gas and heating oil from the Curtis Bay terminal to Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County and Washington County are granted emergency relief from the maximum 11-hour driving time for property-carrying vehicles, up to a maximum of two additional hours.

Electronic logging device relief also remains in effect for motor carriers and drivers who are not required to use an ELD or do not have one installed, including those operating under the short-haul exemption. Those carriers and drivers are required to maintain paper logs and supporting documents.

Port of Baltimore access

Earlier this week, the limited-access channel at the Port of Baltimore was expanded to 400 feet wide and 50 feet deep.

Initially, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set a timeline for the full reopening of the Port of Baltimore channel by the end of May. Although the reopening has been delayed, officials are hopeful it will be announced sometime between Saturday, June 8 and Monday, June 10.

“This effort is more complex than initially estimated,” Col. Estee S. Pinchasin, USACE Baltimore District commander, said in a statement. “Salvage crews must dig out the bottom cord of this truss to access the areas needing to be cut.”

The latest updates regarding the Key Bridge and Port of Baltimore are available online.

In addition, a virtual community update will be hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, June 11.

Submit questions or register for the meeting on the Key Bridge Rebuild website. LL