Temporary Channels Opened at Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Site
Tugboat Navigates Temporary Channel
A tugboat pushing a fuel barge successfully sailed through a temporary channel opened beside the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore harbor. This marks the first vessel to navigate the temporary route since the bridge collapse.
Temporary Channels for Cleanup Operation
Authorities overseeing the cleanup operation have initiated the opening of two small, temporary channels to facilitate the cleanup efforts at the site of the catastrophe. These channels are currently limited to smaller vessels involved in the cleanup operation and are not suitable for cargo and container ships.
Significance of Temporary Routes
The opening of these temporary channels aims to increase the number of vessels in the water around the collapse site, allowing more workers to contribute to the challenging task of clearing the harbor of the collapsed bridge.
Efforts to Reopen Port of Baltimore
Efforts are underway to reopen the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the United States, which has been inaccessible due to the wreckage caused by the bridge collapse. Removing the bridge in sections is expected to aid in the recovery of victims’ bodies and the eventual reopening of the crucial shipping lane.
Future Plans for Navigation
A second, slightly deeper channel is scheduled to be opened in the coming days, allowing larger vessels with a draft of 15 to 16 feet to pass through. This development will further facilitate the resumption of shipping activities in and out of Baltimore.
