Biden Administration Commits $5B to Improve 13 Large Bridges

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $5 billion in Large Bridge Project awards through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program. These grants are part of the President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and will fund the reconstruction, repair and restoration of 13 nationally significant bridges in 16 states.

A July 17 news release states that the projects aim to connect communities to jobs and resources, support the economy and serve as critical corridors for freight travel. They will also address safety issues and enhance bridges’ resilience to extreme weather.

“For too long America let bridges fall into disrepair, which left people less safe, disrupted our supply chains, and cost people time and money – but now the Biden-Harris Administration is changing that with the biggest investment in our bridges since the Eisenhower era,” said Buttigieg in the news release. “There are currently about 3,000 fewer bridges in poor condition than when our administration began, and today we are proud to announce funding to repair or replace 13 of America’s largest and economically significant bridges.”

The Federal Highway Administration highlighted the importance of these grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program. Federal Highway Administrator stated, “We are reinvesting in our infrastructure and ensuring vital connections for Americans who need to get a job, a class or a doctor. The grants are designed to improve the overall quality of life and ensure the nation’s infrastructure works for everyone.”

Among the projects receiving funding are the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program connecting Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA and the Sagamore Bridge Replacement Project in Cape Code, MA. Other notable projects include the I-10 Mobile River Replacement in AL and the I-83 South Bridge Replacement in Harrisburg, PA. These projects will not only enhance transportation efficiency but also support local and national economies.

The Bridge Investment Program — established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — allocates $40 billion over five years to ensure the nation’s bridges remain safe and operational. In the fiscal year 2022, the program invested $2.4 billion in the planning and construction of 37 bridges in 29 states.

Read the full news brief for more details.