In an effort to restore access to the Port of Baltimore, which has been blocked since the incident, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, is collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to clear the wreckage along the Fort McHenry Channel.
A tentative timeline has been established for reopening the channel. USACE expects to open a temporary, limited-access channel by the end of April, with plans to fully reopen the permanent channel by the end of May.
“Thanks to the exhaustive work of the Unified Command during the last two weeks, including underwater surveys and detailed structural analysis of the wreckage, we’ve developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead,” said Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, USACE commanding general. “A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal, and we will carry out this work with care and precision, with safety as our chief priority.”
This timeline follows extensive studies and engineering assessments conducted by various organizations in collaboration with industry partners.
The temporary channel, measuring 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, will accommodate one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore. It will primarily serve barge container service and select roll-on/roll-off vessels transporting automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port.
“These are ambitious timelines that may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage,” Spellmon said. “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.”
Source: Overdrive
Photo: Major Spencer Garrison
