The arrival of the largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard in Baltimore on Friday marks a crucial step in the cleanup efforts following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge earlier this week.
The bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship, prompting immediate action to reopen the Port of Baltimore, which remains closed indefinitely.
Assessments are underway to determine the best approach for cutting the bridge into manageable pieces for removal.
To support Maryland's recovery and cleanup, the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved $60 million in emergency funding. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has assured that additional federal funds will follow, although securing longer-term funding from Congress may take several months.
Estimates suggest that Maryland could require over $1 billion to construct a new bridge.
The magnitude of the challenge ahead was highlighted by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who noted that the cargo ship is nearly as long as the Eiffel Tower. Tragically, four construction workers are missing and presumed dead, while two others were rescued.
Three Maryland Transportation Authority police officers were also commended for their swift actions in halting traffic on the bridge after the cargo ship's distress call.
The bridge collapse has significantly impacted traffic in the area, with a notable increase in vehicles passing through the Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor Tunnels.
The federal government's approval of Maryland's request for initial emergency relief funding underscores the urgency of the situation.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to supporting the rebuilding of the bridge and the reopening of the Port of Baltimore.
The approved relief funding is intended to help Maryland manage the disruptions caused by the bridge collapse.
Efforts are now focused on the cleanup, with the U.S. Navy deploying several floating cranes and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sending engineering specialists to assist in removing debris from the Patapsco River.
The cleanup process is expected to be complex and challenging, with no definitive timeline provided for its completion.