The Captain of the Port (COTP) has established a transit plan to afford recreational vessels the opportunity for transit through the Key Bridge Response Safety Zone.
Traffic will be one-way at a time during one period: on Sunday, May 12th, OUTBOUND transits will be permitted in the afternoon from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and INBOUND transits will be permitted from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Unified Command or Captain of the Port may cancel these time periods at any time for safety reasons. Mariners must monitor VHF Channel 16 and 81A while transiting the area.
All recreational vessels must follow the rules of the road, stay within the marked channel, and heed directions by on-scene patrol vessels.
Unified Command to Use Precision Cutting During Next Phase of Bridge Removal
The Key Bridge Response Unified Command is scheduled to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from on top of the M/V DALI. The exact time of the precision cuts will depend on multiple environmental and operational factors.
The small charges, a standard controlled demolition tool, will split the large section of truss at specific locations to create multiple, smaller sections, which allows salvors to use cranes and barges already on scene to remove these sections of the bridge and ultimately remove the M/V DALI from the channel.
“We remain focused on restoring the Marine Transportation System, while ensuring the protection of the public and the environment,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Key Bridge Response Federal On-Scene Coordinator. “By using precision cuts, we reduce risks to our personnel and can safely and efficiently continue clearing the channel for the Port of Baltimore.”
The Key Bridge Response Unified Command coordinated with Maryland Department of Emergency Management to issue a cellular notification ahead of the controlled demolition to maximize awareness to the communities near the bridge.
Hearing protection is not required outside of the 2,000-yard noise radius. Sound levels outside of the noise radius will be no louder than a standard fireworks show and will last 2-5 seconds.
“There is a small portion of the noise radius that includes land over the industrial portions of Hawkins Point,” said Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Carr, Key Bridge Response Unified Command safety officer. “We are ensuring workers in the area have advanced notice of the plan.”
Officers from the Maryland State Police and allied law enforcement agencies will provide perimeter security to the area and spectating is highly discouraged.
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.
The Temporary Flight Restriction extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level.
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.
For additional imagery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=key+bridge+response+2024&view=grid
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