A temporary alternative route for ships after the collapse of the Baltimore bridge is being considered by the US as the economic fallout from last Tuesday’s disaster is huge, according to the BBC.

It is recalled that six people lost their lives when the freighter Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing the suspension of all services in one of the country’s busiest ports.

At the same time, efforts are being made to remove the debris from the water. Already 200 tons were removed from the bridge last Saturday. Cranes are at the scene to help remove the debris.

According to a statement from Key Bridge Response, a task force set up after the incident, coastguards are preparing to temporarily open the north-east side of the main channel near the collapsed bridge to “ships of commercial importance”.

This will be part of a “phased approach to opening the central channel,” he said.

Capt. David O’Connell, who helped coordinate the wreckage response, said the alternate route “will mark an important first step on the road to reopening the Port of Baltimore.”

“By opening this alternative route, we will support the flow of marine traffic,” he added.

Currently, there is a 1,828 meter safety zone around the wreckage, preventing all ships and people from entering the area without permission from port officials.

About 80-90% of the bridge debris is currently at the bottom of the sea, according to officials.

The Port of Baltimore is a key economic driver for the state of Maryland and a vital artery for import and export of US and world trade.