Posted on 05/13/24
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - May 13, 2024 - On Monday Unified Command used precision cutting to clear the wreckage on top of the Dali.
Following the controlled demolition, crews are working to survey the debris that surrounds the Dali. From there, they will be able to remove the remaining steel and work toward refloating the ship, ultimately removing it from the channel.
Officials with the Key Bridge Unified Command said the controlled demolition went as expected.
"That will allow us now, over the next 48-hours safely move the vessel Dali inside the Port, from the Federal Channel, and it will also allow us to take out the remaining wreckage, steel truss and concrete pavement at the bottom of the river, get that out of the way, so we can meet our commitment at the end of this month to fully open this navigation channel," said Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
On Monday before the demolition, Governor Wes Moore gave an update on efforts underway after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Moore says we remain on track to open the 50- foot channel.
Moore says this process was used to remove and replace the Harry Nice Bridge in Charles County before, so this is the best practice.
The governor showed photos of personnel about 180 feet in the air doing cutting and preparation for removal of steel wreckage.
Moore was joined by U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Coast Guard (Unified Command), Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski will also be in attendance.
"Next week, we are expecting about 30 vessels and barges at the port's public and private terminals. That will include new cars, metals, and oil," Moore said
Pelosi said "What we are hearing today is very special for America, When this Bridge was put in jeopardy. The Governor has given us a path on how to come back."
Mayor Scott said, "The work here has been remarkable. None of us thought we would be as far as we are today. Thank you to the workers who worked diligently everyday."
County Executive Olszewski said, "We've got work ahead of us still but every day is new glimmer of hope and a new reason to be inspired and to push toward what's next."
"We are very close to opening the channel and we are now getting large ships in and out of the port of Baltimore," Moore said.