As efforts continue to salvage the collapsed sections of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and pave the way for its eventual reconstruction, the Port of Baltimore has opened a third temporary channel to facilitate the entry and departure of vessels. This latest addition expands shipping access further, allowing more commercial activity to resume amidst the ongoing recovery operations.

The new alternate channel, situated to the northeast of the fallen bridge, is designated for “commercially essential vessels,” as announced by port officials late on Friday. This temporary passage boasts a controlling depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters), a horizontal clearance of 300 feet (91.4 meters), and a vertical clearance of 135 feet (41.2 meters), enabling a wider range of vessels to access the port while crews work tirelessly to reopen the main channel.

According to Coast Guard and Port Captain David O’Connell, the opening of this third channel will allow approximately 15% of pre-collapse commercial activity to resume. This development comes after the first temporary channel was opened on April 1, marking a significant step towards restoring operations at the vital maritime hub.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in the early hours of March 26 after being struck by the cargo ship Dali, which had veered off course. The tragic incident claimed the lives of six roadwork crew members on the bridge, with two of their bodies remaining unaccounted for.

Ongoing recovery efforts involve the removal of thousands of tons of debris that landed atop the Dali during the collapse. So far, workers have managed to clear away approximately 1,300 tons (1,179 metric tons) of steel using massive cranes. This debris must be completely removed before the stationary ship can be returned to the port, a crucial step in the overall salvage and reconstruction process.

As the Port of Baltimore continues to navigate this challenging situation, the opening of the third temporary channel represents a significant stride towards restoring full operational capabilities and ensuring the smooth flow of maritime commerce.