Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will “off-ramp” Kiewit Infrastructure Co. from Phase 2 of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild after the contractor’s proposal came in well above the state’s independent cost estimates.
The contractor remains on the project for Phase 1 through at least year-end 2026, advancing foundation piles, temporary trestle work, and design.
MDTA will seek a new Phase 2 progressive design‑build team, starting with an industry forum in May that will shape procurement, schedule, and costs.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) said in a statement April 28, 2026, that it notified Kiewit Infrastructure Co. that it will not retain the contractor for Phase 2 construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild.
The decision, announced April 28, follows negotiations over Phase 2 pricing that state officials say strayed too far above their own cost expectations. Governor Wes Moore has repeatedly framed the project around three priorities: safety, speed, and cost discipline.
According to the Maryland agency, Kiewit’s Phase 2 proposal failed that third test on costs. The agency stated that, " after negotiations with Kiewit, and in consultation with project partners at the United States Department of Transportation, MDTA will not retain Kiewit’s services for Phase 2 construction."
[Read more on the project's costs Key Bridge Replacement Battles Soaring Costs to Restore Port of Baltimore Traffic]
Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson said MDTA, working closely with the Federal Highway Administration, will “aggressively protect and advance the interests of Maryland and all taxpayers” as it seeks a new construction partner for the main bridge build‑out.
That includes going back to the broader market with a fresh procurement aimed at restoring alignment between scope, schedule, and cost.
The announcement highlights the off‑ramp clause, a feature of progressive design‑build (PDB) delivery.
A typical feature in PDB contracts, off‑ramping allows an owner to separate from its initial design‑builder if the parties cannot reach agreement on final price and terms for subsequent phases.
MDTA is now exercising that option.
A rendering of the Key Bridge rebuild. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is overseeing the design and construction activities rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Image: Key Bridge Rebuild
Kiewit, however, is not leaving the site right away. The firm will complete its Phase 1 responsibilities, which include continued design development and early work such as driving foundation piles and building a temporary trestle to support marine and structural operations.
MDTA expects that scope to run through at least the end of the year, giving the project a measure of continuity while contractor procurement for Phase 2 plays out.
MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement that “work will not stop on the Key Bridge Rebuild project.”
With test piles, foundations, and temporary access structures progressing, officials intend to keep the critical Phase 1 path moving while a new contractor team is brought under contract.
To re‑open contractor competition and reset commercial terms, MDTA plans to host an industry forum in May.
The agency says the session will provide additional detail on next steps in the Phase 2 procurement process. Organizers will deliver information teams will need to evaluate risk, price escalation, and delivery strategy on the next phase of the infrastructure build.
For general contractors, joint ventures, designers, and specialty subs tracking the Key Bridge Rebuild, the off‑ramp decision signals renewed opportunity, and an implied tighter scrutiny on price.
Any team stepping into Phase 2 will be expected to work inside a cost range MDTA and federal partners view as defensible while still meeting expectations on schedule and safety performance.
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