Key Bridge to Close Temporarily on Wednesday

The Francis Scott Key Bridge will be closed to traffic for a short time Wednesday afternoon when several "massive" container cranes are shipped to the Port of Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal.

Maryland Transportation Authority officials will also close the Bay Bridge when the ship carrying the cranes passes under that span.

MDTA officials said the Bay Bridge will be closed to traffic for about 40 minutes beginning around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The Key Bridge will be closed for about 20 minues beginning around 3:15 p.m.

The exact times are dependent upon the weather, tides and the ship's progress, according to officials.

The ship, the m/v Zhen Hua 13, will carry four new container cranes that will be placed on the port's new 50-foot container berth at Seagirt, according to a press release from the Maryland Port Administration.

The cranes each weigh 1,550 tons, can reach 22 containers across on a cargo ship, can lift 187,300 pounds of cargo and stand 140 feet in height while in a working position, according to the statement.

The Zhen Hua is expected to leave its anchored position near Thomas Point and pass under the Bay Bridge at about 1:15 p.m. June 20, according to MPA officials.

It is scheduled to pass under the Key Bridge around 3:15 p.m. and arrive at the port at about 4:15, according to the statement.