The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced new resources to help agencies access federal funding and assistance to support modernization efforts of legacy highways.
Multiple federal programs can support the modernization of these legacy highways through Complete Streets strategies that meet the current standards and needs of the communities that they are in.
“Transforming legacy highways into Complete Streets provides an important opportunity to improve safety for everyone using the road and serve the needs of growing and changing communities…across the country” said Polly Trottenberg, the deputy secretary at the USDOT from a press release.
Eligibility for federal funding is determined by the functional classification of the structure. These functional classifications can be found on maps maintained by state departments of transportation.
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requires states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to use not less than 2.5% of State Planning and Research (SPR) and Metropolitan Planning (PL) funds on projects to increase and accessible options for multiple modes of travel.
Eligible programs such as the Bridge Formula Program, the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, and Carbon Reduction Program can be implemented through Complete Streets strategies.
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Source: USDOT, FHWA
