BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland, Dan Cox, spoke at a press conference on Tuesday morning at the Baltimore Visitor Center to discuss continued delays around the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Cox pointed out that more than two and a half years have passed since the collapse, but Maryland is still not under contract for the main bridge work. He noted the state targeted summer 2027 just to proceed on the main span, with current timelines suggesting completion could be as late as 2030 or even 2034.
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The original cost estimates for the rebuilding ranged from $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, but newer figures place the project between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion. Cox questioned why the costs escalated, why demolition is not yet complete and why, despite $531.5 million in spending, no contract has started for the full reconstruction. He said, “Talking about progress is not progress,” and went on to add, “Marylanders cannot drive on a website. They need a bridge and we will build it.”
Cox called for transparent public accounting of all spending and decisions, including payments, settlements and ongoing legal matters related to the collapse.
He specifically called for the governor and state officials to provide an updated accounting ledger and clarity around changes in contractors, termination fees and any associated costs.
He criticized the breakup with Kiewit, a major contractor, and said that moving to multiple, separate contracts risks further delays. Cox said he had spoken with prospective contractors who were worried “that the multiple breaking up of the contracts is going to delay it even further.” He added, “We had a target deadline that was fairly certain for 2030 under Kiewit’s plan and now we don’t. So we need to get back to an urgency for that.”
To speed up the process, Cox proposed several measures:
Cox highlighted an environmental permit that mandates a 12-hour on, 12-hour off schedule to protect wildlife, resulting in more delays. He argued construction should only pause when wildlife is visibly present and resume immediately afterward rather than requiring long waits for agency approval.
He stated, “If you can build the bridge, it helps the people the most but it also I think helps wildlife because if we’re going to stretch out this bridge project now to extending another ten years or whatever you know seven years whatever the estimate is that obviously will be a continuing effect on the wildlife and the environment.”
Cox stressed the economic impact of the continued closure, pointing to higher truck operating costs, longer commutes and negative effects on businesses. He said University of Maryland researchers found Maryland is losing $93 million each year due to increased delivery costs.
He also criticized state and local officials’ handling of transportation funds, highlighting that almost $100 million is being retracted from municipalities and counties as of July 1, 2027. Cox promised to work against such moves and restore funding.
Cox said he would lead meetings personally and resolve disputes to keep construction on schedule, aiming to cut the timeline roughly in half compared to the current plan. He also promised to make all construction and financial details public.
Referring to other pressing issues, Cox said Maryland’s cost of living is rising, including higher state taxes, fees and energy costs. He cited a $1,700 annual truck registration fee and said he supports suspending state and federal gas taxes to ease burdens on Marylanders.
Cox also addressed concerns about the juvenile justice system, promising to restructure the Department of Juvenile Services and repeal laws that prevent holding youth fully accountable for serious crimes. He said, “It’s a mess. It needs restructuring. It needs immediate help.”
He closed by saying, “We owe the families who lost loved ones a safe and a lasting crossing. We owe commuters their time back. We owe businesses a reliable route to market.” Cox called on Marylanders for support as the election nears.
The debate over the timeline and accountability for the Key Bridge rebuild continues, with residents and businesses waiting for leadership and action.
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