U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently launched the largest bridge-formula program in American history, made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in Pennsylvania.
The program will dedicate $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico over the five years of the law and $825 million for Tribal transportation facilities. During fiscal year 2022, $5.3 billion will be available for states and $165 million for tribes.
“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. “It will also modernize them 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.”
The Bridge Funding Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges nationwide.
The program also will provide funding for “off-system” bridges, locally owned facilities not on the federal-aid highway system.
The Federal Highway Administration also published initial guidance on the program.