The redesign of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland by WeBuild, CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, and Michel Virlogeux, aims to modernize and secure this critical infrastructure following its recent collapse. The new cable-stayed bridge design, extending 2230 ft (700 m), incorporates advanced safety features and adapts to future shipping demands with increased clearance. Enhanced with smart technologies for maintenance and traffic control, this project builds on research from MIT’s Senseable City Lab and respects the local ecosystem by avoiding structural interventions in the river. The construction strategy includes a temporary crossing to reduce the impact on the area’s economy during development.
After the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, WeBuild has partnered with design firm CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati and esteemed engineer Michel Virlogeux to unveil a rejuvenated design for its replacement. This new cable-stayed bridge is poised to transform the gateway to Baltimore Harbor, enhancing the structure’s symbolic presence in the city.
The updated bridge design introduces several enhancements in safety and adaptability. Proposed changes include extending the bridge’s length from 1200 ft to 2230 ft (700 m) and repositioning the main support pillars into shallower waters away from heavily trafficked navigation channels. This alteration addresses the March 26th incident where a cargo ship collided with the bridge’s critical component, resulting in one of the most severe bridge failures in the U.S. in recent years.
Leveraging technology from Carlo Ratti’s MIT Senseable City Lab, the project integrates smart features for efficient traffic management and predictive maintenance. These innovations stem from Ratti’s ongoing “Good Vibrations” research at MIT, which explores advanced monitoring systems for bridge structural safety. Additionally, the design proposes expanding the traffic capacity by adding a lane in each direction and raising the bridge clearance from 185 ft to 230 ft (70 m) to better accommodate larger shipping vessels.
The choice of a cable-stayed structure highlights material efficiency and reduced embodied carbon. The design incorporates photovoltaic panels to enhance energy sustainability and deliberately avoids constructing artificial islands, thus preserving the Patapsco River’s ecosystem. In an effort to minimize economic disruption in Maryland, plans include positioning the new bridge approximately 100 ft away from the existing site, enabling the construction of a temporary passage during redevelopment. This project marks another collaboration with Michel Virlogeux, known for his work on the Millau Viaduct in France, a renowned accomplishment in bridge engineering designed by Foster & Partners.
