The U.S. Department of Transportation today launched the Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, Preservation, Protection, and Construction Program, made possible by the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The program, to be administered by the Federal Highway Administration, represents the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system, according to FHWA.
The program will provide $26.5 billion to states, D.C., and Puerto Rico over five years and $825 million for tribal transportation facilities. The total amount that will be available to states, D.C., and Puerto Rico in FY 2022 is $5.3 billion along with $165 million for tribes. The FHWA also published initial guidance on the new program.
“This record amount of funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow states and tribal governments to fix the bridges most in need of repair,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said in a statement. “It will also modernize bridges to withstand the effects of climate change and to make them safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Every state has bridges in poor condition and in need of repair, including bridges with weight restrictions that may force lengthy detours for travelers, school buses, first responders, or trucks carrying freight.”
Nationwide, the bridge formula program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 highway bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct highway bridges, the bridge formula program has dedicated funding for tribal transportation facility bridges as well as “off-system” bridges, which are generally locally owned facilities not on the federal-aid highway system.
The IIJA includes an incentive for states to direct the new bridge formula program funds to off-system bridges owned by a county, city, town, or other local agency.
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SOURCE: Federal Highway Administration
