Port of Baltimore opens third temporary alternate channel following bridge collapse 

The Captain of the Port of Baltimore has established a third temporary alternate channel providing limited access for commercially essential vessels, as the port looks to get operations up and running following the devastating bridge collapse. 

The third channel is on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, offering a controlling depth of 20 ft, a 300-ft horizontal clearance and a vertical clearance of 135 ft.

Capt. David O’Connell, captain of the port and federal on-scene coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024, said: “This additional channel increases the types of vessels able to transit inbound and outbound the Port of Baltimore.