The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the allocation of nearly $10 billion in funding for large bridge projects across the United States. The funds, which are available for fiscal years 2023-2026, will be distributed through the competitive Bridge Investment Program's "Large Bridge Project" category.
According to a press release from September 30, the FHWA has opened applications for the funding, which is aimed at projects larger than $100 million. This initiative is part of the department's efforts to address the nation's aging infrastructure and ensure the safety and functionality of crucial bridges.
"Bridges are more than steel and concrete—they connect communities, move vital goods, and make it easier to go about our daily lives," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "These grants will help communities across the country modernize their bridges and make it easier for everyone to move quickly, reliably, and safely to their destinations."
The Large Bridge Project competitive grants have undergone pivotal updates. Applications are now accepted for all four fiscal years (FY2023-FY2026) with a single application. The FHWA has also introduced an updated "smart application" template to streamline the application process and a new Benefit Cost Analysis tool to aid in project analysis.
In Fiscal Year 2022, the Bridge Investment Program made significant progress in addressing bridge infrastructure needs. Some notable projects that received funding include the rehabilitation and reconfiguration of the Brent Spence Bridge, improving traffic flow between Kentucky and Ohio. Additionally, bridges over the Calumet River in Chicago were rehabilitated to ensure smooth marine traffic access.
Other projects that received funding include the replacement of the Lafayette Avenue Bridge in Michigan, the renewal of six aging bridges in South Carolina, and the replacement of off-system bridges along the John Nolen Drive Causeway in Madison, Wisconsin. Planning grants were also awarded for projects like the Cape Cod Bridges in Massachusetts and the I-5 Columbia River Crossing connecting Washington and Oregon.
While the current funding opportunity targets bridge projects larger than $100 million, the FHWA plans to open applications for up to $100 million in the near future. This additional funding opportunity aims to facilitate the planning process for bridge projects of all sizes.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasized the administration's commitment to rebuilding bridges across the country. Upgrading bridge infrastructure is crucial to meet the nation's contemporary needs and challenges.
With the opening of applications for nearly $10 billion in funding, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration is taking significant steps to address the nation's bridge infrastructure needs. These funds will support the modernization and improvement of crucial bridges, ensuring the safety and functionality of transportation networks across the United States.
