Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is turning up the heat on Maryland as costs rise for the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild and DMV traffic sits among the worst in the nation, according to federal officials. 

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy will meet with Maryland Governor Wes Moore in Washington, DC, to address concerns over the rising cost of rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge and delays on major traffic projects, the US Department of Transportation announced.

The department said the price tag for the Key Bridge rebuild has “ballooned,” prompting fresh scrutiny from the federal government. 

At the same time, the administration is frustrated with Maryland’s handling of chronic Beltway congestion, which federal officials say is dragging down commute times for the entire region.

The Federal Highway Administration released a Request for Information on Tuesday, Dec. 9, according to the Department of Transportation. 

The agency said it wants public input on ways to speed up reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and improve commute times along I-495 and I-270, where congestion now stretches for more than six hours on an average day.

In the announcement, Duffy said, “I look forward to discussing the urgent matter of relieving severe congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge and getting the Francis Scott Key Bridge project back on track with Gov. Moore."

"The Trump Administration cares about Americans’ quality of life and ushering in a Golden Age of Transportation.”

He also said, “Maryland’s highways help connect thousands to our nation’s capital, and as part of our effort to revitalize the area and make it safe and beautiful, holding leaders accountable at every level is essential to making sure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently.”

Department of Transportation / MarylandGovPics

FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster added his own criticism of Maryland’s progress on the corridor linking Maryland and Virginia. 

"Gov. Moore’s lack of action on the American Legion Bridge corridor is holding back progress on one of the nation’s most critical transportation routes," he said.

“That’s why the Trump Administration is seeking public input to restart the multi-state plan to relieve congestion in this heavily traveled corridor on both the Virginia and Maryland sides.”

According to the agency, Duffy sent a letter to Moore in September 2025, raising concerns over oversight, budget, and timing for the FSK Bridge replacement, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.

Maryland and Virginia previously announced the “Capital Beltway Accord” in 2019, a bipartisan plan aimed at adding express lanes in Maryland. Virginia recently completed its section of the extension in November.

Check Daily Voice for updates.