Baltimore Contractors: The $5B+ Key Bridge Replacement Is the Biggest Build in Maryland History. Watch Your Rental Costs

The replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River is a $5B+ mega-project with an expedited timeline. After the 2024 collapse, federal and state funding is flowing fast and construction is accelerating. TrueRent shows Baltimore contractors where their rental vendors are charging above market on this historic rebuild.

Bridge construction over navigable waterways requires some of the most expensive equipment in construction: barge-mounted cranes, specialized pile driving rigs, cofferdams, and marine support. None of this has standard rate cards. Rental companies set prices with wide margins. TrueRent benchmarks every fee against what similar bridge projects are paying.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Replacement ($5B+ investment)

Replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed in March 2024 after a container ship strike. The new bridge will span the Patapsco River at the Port of Baltimore. One of the most high-profile infrastructure projects in the country, with expedited timelines and massive federal funding.

Vendors we benchmark

  • United Rentals
  • Sunbelt Rentals
  • Herc Rentals
  • H&E Equipment Services
  • Maxim Crane Works
  • ALL Crane Rental