USDOT Reboots Key Bridge Contract, Expands Infrastructure Funding Nationwide

Maryland to rebid major bridge contract as the Build America Bureau commits $20 million to accelerate project planning and public-private partnerships across 17 states.

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April 30, 2026

A snowy bridge construction staging zone. — A snowy construction staging area of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Maryland on February 3, 2026.
Credit:
Maryland Transportation Authority

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced updates on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Maryland and new investments to support infrastructure development projects nationwide.

USDOT confirmed that the State of Maryland will seek new construction partners for Phase 2 of the Francis Scott Key Bridge project following a decision to rebid that portion of the contract. The move comes after project cost estimates increased from $1.8 billion to more than $5 billion, prompting additional review of the budget and timeline.

USDOT officials have been engaged with Maryland leaders on the project, including meetings with Governor Wes Moore in late 2025 and early 2026. These discussions resulted in an agreement to accelerate reconstruction efforts and continue work on cost-sharing for the bridge replacement.

In a separate announcement, USDOT’s Build America Bureau is investing $20 million through the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) Program to support 20 infrastructure projects across 17 states. The funding is intended to help projects advance through planning and financing stages, including the use of public-private partnerships.

“USDOT is leveraging strong public-private partnerships to help communities upgrade their infrastructure quickly and safely,” said Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

Projects receiving funding include $1.15 million for the New Orleans International Airport to improve connections between the airport and passenger rail lines, and $1.15 million for the City of Winslow, Arizona, to support planning and engineering for its I-40 TradePort hub.

“Strengthening capacity and collaboration at all levels to explore and deliver innovative approaches such as public-private partnerships is essential to addressing America’s infrastructure challenges,” said Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian, Ph.D. “The RIA program helps communities navigate complex development challenges. By providing hands-on technical assistance, the program enables project sponsors to deliver projects faster and at a lower cost for the American taxpayer.”

Since its establishment in 2015, the RIA program has invested $54 million in 35 accelerators nationwide.

Topics:public-private partnerships infrastructure state funding transportation projects Maryland Management

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