The completely restored Fort McHenry Canal in Baltimore Harbor

The Fort McHenry Federal Canal in the Port of Baltimore has been completely restored and adapted for commercial maritime transportation.

It has been closed since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26. Limited access was announced on April 25 before announcing on Monday, June 10, a return to its original operating dimensions of 700 feet wide and 50 feet deep.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, the full restoration included removing approximately 50,000 tons of bridge wreckage from the Patapsco River. The Unified Command, consisting of more than 50 local, state and federal agencies, will continue to investigate and remove debris below the 50-foot mud line to ensure future dredging is not impacted.

The wreck will continue to be transported to Sparrows Point for further processing as part of routine maintenance.

“We are proud of the collaborative effort that has fully reopened the Federal Canal to port operations,” Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said in a statement. “The partnerships that endured through this response ensured the success of this critical mission.”

NEWS RELEASE: Within #FSKBost Unified Command, USACE and @our Navy The Salvage & Diving Division Manager today restored the Federal Canal to its original operating specifications (700 feet wide x 50 feet deep) for commercial maritime transit through @portofbalt. Link in thread: pic.twitter.com/FX78crVuZO

— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) June 10, 2024

Baltimore traffic update

The Outer Loop of Interstate 695 remains closed at Exit 1 and the Inner Loop remains closed at Exit 42 due to the Key Bridge collapse. The Maryland Transportation Authority said alternative routes are the Interstate 95 or 895 tunnels.

Restrictions on hazardous materials and tunnel heights remain in place. Additionally, the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) was scheduled to be closed from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Thursday, June 10-13. Delays are expected and the final closure time will depend on traffic volumes, Maryland transportation officials say. LL

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