A deeper channel to allow commercial ships into and out of the Port of Baltimore is set to open Thursday, a major step in reopening trade after the port was closed due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month.
The Army Corps of Engineers has opened three shallow, temporary channels under parts of the bridge, allowing some small craft and salvage vessels to enter and exit the port as the bridge is removed. The new, 35-foot-deep channel will allow most ships to transit to and from the port.
It puts the salvage effort about a week ahead of schedule, as officials previously said they aimed to open the deeper channel by the end of the month.
Five of the seven cargo ships trapped in the port, including a car carrier, will be able to exit via the new channel, officials said. Other ships are scheduled to enter the port, a crucial terminal for vehicle and coal imports and exports.
The bridge collapsed March 26 when it was struck by the MV Dali, which suffered a power failure. Six road workers maintaining Interstate 695 were killed in the collapse.
The port’s main channel, with a controlling depth of 50 feet (15 meters), is set to reopen next month after the ship has been removed. That will essentially restore marine traffic to normal.
“We are going to work efficiently and we are going to work safely, and we are not going to choose between the two,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said during a news conference Tuesday.