Federal Grant Boosts Cargo Capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic Amid Baltimore Bridge Collapse

In the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA) is set to use an $8.26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to increase cargo capacity at its terminal at Sparrows Point at the Port of Baltimore.

Located outside the affected zone of the bridge collapse, TPA’s terminal continues to function and will served as a hub for continued cargo movement in Baltimore as well as processing debris from the wreckage.

The terminal remains open to both scheduled arrivals and redirected cargo. In the coming weeks, it is expected to receive at least six regularly scheduled roll-on/roll-off vessels, plus an additional nine redirected vessels. Combined, these vessels will receive and process 10,000 automobiles.

Baltimore Bridge Wreck Removal: Mega Thread

Modifications to the previously awarded Port Infrastructure Development Program grant will allow TPA and Baltimore County to fast-track the paving of an additional 10 acres for cargo laydown. This expansion will facilitate the movement of both roll-on/roll-off and bulk cargo and will more than double the terminal’s prior capacity, increasing from 10,000 to over 20,000 autos per month. The move aims to maintain the Port of Baltimore’s status as a leading hub for automobile imports and exports in the country. Site grading is underway, with expectations that the additional cargo space will be operational by the end of April.

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, applauded the quick action of the Biden Administration in finding ways to assist Baltimore and the entire region, including releasing $60 million last week to aid Maryland’s urgent recovery efforts.

In response to the bridge collapse, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has coordinated with regional federal, state, and local officials, including the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the City of Baltimore, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The FHWA has also released $60 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief funds to aid in the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge.

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