<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel.
The
third temporary channel is marked with government-lighted aids to navigation and will be limited to transit at the discretion of the COTP. It has a controlling depth of 20 feet, a 300-foot horizontal clearance, and a vertical
clearance of 135 feet.
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">“This additional channel increases the types of vessels able to transit inbound and outbound the port of Baltimore,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, Captain of the Port
and Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024. “We estimate facilitating approximately 15 percent of pre-collapse commercial activity.”<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person
will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">“Everyday, members of the Key Bridge Response Unified Command are working tirelessly to complete the steps necessary to support full access to the Fort McHenry channel,” said O’Connell.
“The opening of this third channel represents continuous progress towards this overarching objective.”<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the:
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
U.S. Coast Guard <span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
Maryland Department of the Environment <span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
Maryland Transportation Authority <span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
Maryland State Police <span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure
and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. <span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">For more information regarding the Fort Carroll Temporary Alternate Channel, please read the Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB 042-24) at
<span
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">For additional imagery, please visit:
<span
<span-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">