Efforts to resume operations at the Port of Baltimore continue to face setbacks following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26th. The latest obstacle comes in the form of a second postponement of the demolition process, prolonging the paralysis that has gripped the port since the incident claimed the lives of six individuals tasked with repairing potholes on the bridge. Originally scheduled for today, the demolition was halted after environmental factors, including lightning within a ten-mile radius of the Dolly ship, posed significant safety risks.
Officials overseeing the operation highlighted multiple factors influencing their decision to delay. Apart from the lightning, overall environmental conditions, safety precautions, and progress on the precision cuts required for the demolition were critical considerations. The postponement decision underscores the project’s commitment to safety over speed.
The demolition involves using explosives to dismantle a span of the Key Bridge still resting on the Dolly ship. The plan includes making precision cuts and placing small charges within those cuts. Once detonated, these charges will produce small puffs of smoke and sounds reminiscent of fireworks, causing the bridge span to collapse into the Patapsco River.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains focused on safely refloating the Dolly ship post-demolition. The plan is to align tugboats and execute the operation during high tide, approximately two days after the demolition. The ultimate goal is to reopen the federal channel, but officials emphasize that this objective will not come at the expense of safety.
Officials reiterated the priority of maintaining safety standards while working towards reopening the federal channel. The Unified Command remains dedicated to this goal, even amidst the delays caused by unpredictable weather conditions.