BALTIMORE — Crews are getting ready to set up a temporary channel in Baltimore for necessary boat traffic to get around after the collapse of the Key Bridge on Tuesday.
The Captain of the Port (COTP) announced the alternate channel will be opening on the northeast side of the main channel in the area of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels only.
“This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024. “By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.”
The opening of the temporary channel is the first step in a phased approach to opening the main channel back up again. The temporary channel will be marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance 96 feet.
The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
A Debris Reporting Hotline has been established. If the public encounters any debris from the bridge collapse, please contact +1 (410) 205-6625
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