Maryland officials have parted ways with the lead contractor for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major move that could push the project timeline back even further.

The contractor, Kiewit, had been leading design and construction efforts for over 18 months. State officials said negotiations broke down after the company’s proposal came in far higher than expected, making it impossible to reach an agreement.

The rebuild, originally projected to cost under $2 billion with a 2028 completion, is now estimated to exceed $5 billion and may not be finished until 2030.

The Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024 after being struck by a cargo ship, killing six workers and shutting down a critical Baltimore transportation route.

State leaders say they are now focused on finding a path forward to complete the project as efficiently as possible, but uncertainty around costs and timelines remains.