The main shipping channel into and out of the Port of Baltimore has reopened to its original depth after the cargo ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, causing its collapse and blocking most of the traffic into and out of the harbor, as well as the deaths of six Latino immigrants working on the bridge during its collapse.
The Associated Press reported that officials announced the full reopening in a statement Monday evening (June 10), which culminated the cleanup effort that removed an estimated 50,000 tons of steel and concrete from the bottom of the Patapsco River.
The news followed some recent developments in the harbor, such as the Dali being refloated and guided back to port, prompting crews to establish two-way traffic in and out of the port.
READ NEXT : Baltimore's Harbor Reopens as First Ship Sails Through Newly Opened Channel Post Bridge Collapse
Port of Baltimore's Vital Importance
The Port of Baltimore is one of the most vital trade facilities in the United States, processing more cars and farm equipment than any other country.
The BBC reported that Dali was about to begin her voyage to Sri Lanka when she hit the bridge.
For several weeks after the incident, the port was essentially blocked off from shipping traffic due to the wreckage of the bridge and the clearing operations.
The collapse of the bridge and the grinding halt of shipping traffic also impacted thousands of jobs, causing an economic downturn.
VCPost reported last April that a preliminary channel was reopened, resuming commercial traffic in a limited manner for the past few weeks.
US Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore district commander Col. Estee Pinchasin said she was proud of the teamwork of multiple government entities that contributed to the clearing operations in a very short time.
Officials projected their hope for the bridge to be reconstructed by 2028.
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