Biden to tour Baltimore bridge collapse site amid work to clear crucial shipping lane

The port of Baltimore could be partially open again by the end of the month as the US military and partners push to clear the collapsed bridge that blocked the main shipping channel after being rammed by a cargo vessel, and Joe Biden tours the disaster site on Friday.

The US president is expected to get a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the hulking remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, as cranes, ships and diving crews work to reopen one of the nation’s crucial shipping lanes.

Biden will receive updates from the US Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to get an aerial view of the wreckage.

Eight workers – all immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador – were filling potholes on the bridge when it collapsed in the middle of the night on 26 March. Two were rescued, but the bodies of only two of the six who died have been recovered. Biden plans to meet privately with the families of the victims after he has made public remarks in the Maryland city on Friday afternoon.

Officials have established a temporary, alternate channel for vessels involved in clearing debris.

The Army Corps of Engineers reported that it hopes to open a limited-access channel for barge container ships and some vessels moving cars and farm equipment by the end of this month and to restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31, the White House said.

As much as $200m in cargo normally moves through Baltimore’s port per day, and it is the leading hub for importing and exporting vehicles.

Of more immediate concern might be covering the costs of cleanup and building a new bridge.

The Federal Highway Administration has provided $60m in “quick release” emergency relief funds to get started. Exactly how much the collapse will cost is unclear, though some experts estimate recovery will take at least $400m and 18 months.

The White House announced on Friday it is asking Congress to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the collapsed bridge cleanup and reconstruction costs, rather than seeking funding through a separate, supplemental funding request.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.