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Baltimore port to open deeper channel, enabling some ships to pass after bridge collapse

By
Associated Press
A ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, causing the bridge to collapse. A ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, causing the bridge to collapse. ((Hartford County Md Fire & EMS PIO via CNN Newsource))

Published: 

BALTIMORE - Officials in Baltimore plan to open a deeper channel for commercial ships to access the city's port starting on Thursday. 

It marks a significant step toward reopening the major maritime shipping hub that has remained closed to most traffic since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed last month. 

The new channel will have what's known as a "controlling depth" of 35 feet, which is a substantial increase over the three other temporary channels that have been established in recent weeks. 

It puts the cleanup effort slightly ahead of schedule. 

The port's main channel is set to reopen next month.

A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship his the bridge Tuesday March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Md. A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship his the bridge Tuesday March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)