Webuild, with its US subsidiary Lane, has unveiled a proposal for the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction design and planning in Baltimore. 

The initiative follows the collapse of the bridge last March, which resulted in loss of lives and disrupted a crucial maritime connection. 

WeBuild's proposal, a cable-stayed bridge design, has been developed in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor and architect Carlo Ratti and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux. 

This new structure is expected to ensure maximum safety for both vehicular traffic and navigation for larger ships, focusing on enhanced safety, adaptability, and sustainability. 

The design anticipates a navigable clearance of 213ft, more than the previous bridge, and an expanded bridge span of approximately 2,300ft.  

The main pylons are planned to be positioned in shallower waters, away from the navigation channel. 

In response to increased traffic, the proposal includes a wider carriageway, adding one lane in each direction and expanding emergency lanes.  

The new bridge will also incorporate smart features for improved traffic management and the application of predictive maintenance techniques. 

Carlo Ratti said: "Opting for a cable-stayed solution enables the piles to be positioned at a safe distance, well away from the navigation channel used by large vessels and hence preventing the risk of a tragedy such as the one of March 26 happening again.  

“This approach also provides a light-weight solution to reconnect two sides of Baltimore, both socially and economically - what American infrastructure should be striving to do in the 21st century."  

The project will further include the use of materials that aim to preserve the Patapsco River's ecosystem.  

Webuild CEO Pietro Salini said: “We will take part, on 7 May, in the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)’s Virtual Industry Forum for the reconstruction of the bridge, and we are ready to help in any way we can at this stage in the spirit of pro bono service.  

“The design concept of the bridge that we have been working on incessantly during this last month will represent a key contribution towards the design and reconstruction or new construction of the bridge.” 

Last month, Lane was awarded a $110m contract to construct the Newport News Segment of the Interstate (I)-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes in Hampton, Virginia.