Heaven and Earth Might Not Be Enough
The grand pledge of President Joe Biden “move heaven and earth” to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge smacks of a promise only Herculean in its aspiration. Yet, the Herculean may well fall short in the monumental task of resuscitating this crucial artery across Baltimore’s bustling port.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge took five years to build after several years of planning. It was originally conceived of as a tunnel running under the harbor. Bonds to finance the construction were sold in 1968. The final regulatory approvals were granted in 1972, and construction began soon after. The bridge opened five years later, in March of 1977.
The construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge across Baltimore harbor, circa May 1973. (Photo: Jim Pickerell/Environmental Protection Agency via the U.S. National Archives and Records…
