Construction Management Impacts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

This study examines the construction-related environmental impacts and management responses following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. While immediate environmental risks were largely contained, the reconstruction and salvage phases introduced significant challenges associated with dredging, sediment disturbance, emissions from construction activities, and large-scale debris removal. Drawing upon federal and state agency reports, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of construction-phase mitigation strategies, including containment measures, monitoring systems, and coordinated interagency response frameworks. Particular attention is given to the role of dredging and heavy equipment operations in mobilizing legacy contaminants and altering benthic habitats. The study also assesses the balance between rapid infrastructure recovery and long-term environmental protection. Findings indicate that while emergency construction operations successfully restored navigation and minimized acute contamination, long-term environmental risks are primarily associated with sediment resuspension and cumulative impacts from reconstruction activities. The paper highlights key lessons for construction management, environmental monitoring, and policy development in large-scale infrastructure recovery projects.