Precision cutting to be used as part of response effort for Dali removal

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command is scheduled to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from on top of the containership Dali.

The exact time of the precision cuts will depend on multiple environmental and operational factors.

The small charges, a standard controlled demolition tool, will split the large section of truss at specific locations to create multiple, smaller sections, which will allow salvors to use cranes and barges already on scene to remove these sections of the bridge and ultimately remove Dali from the channel.

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command coordinated with Maryland Department of Emergency Management to issue a cellular notification ahead of the controlled demolition to maximize awareness to the communities near the bridge.

Officers from the Maryland State Police and allied law enforcement agencies will provide perimeter security to the area and spectating is highly discouraged.

The current 2,000-yard (1,828-metre) safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

The effort is the latest of many that have been implemented in the wake of the bridge strike incident involving Dali on March 26 in Baltimore, Maryland. The incident left at least six people dead.