The US Army Corps of Engineers released a plan to clear the shipping channel blocked by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge by the end of May, a schedule that would require the reloading of hundreds of containers that remain on the MV Dali onto barges and then removing the wreckage, the Baltimore Banner reports.
“We are working quickly and safely to clear the channel and restore full service at this port that is so vital to the nation. At the same time, we continue to keep faith with the families of the missing and are working with our partners to help locate and recover their loved ones,” Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon said.
The opening of the shipping lanes means thousands of port workers in Baltimore would be able to return to work within two months, and other operations–from car imports to sugar processing–could resume. The schedule for replacing the bridge is unknown.