DOT dedicates $27 billion to bridge repairs nationwide

From Transport Topics.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is allocating $26.5 billion for repairs to bridges around the country in what the White House is calling the nation’s largest investment in bridges since the creation of the interstate highway system.

The Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, Preservation, Protection and Construction Program — more simply, the Bridge Formula Program — was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by President Joe Biden in November. The program will be administered by the Federal Highway Administration, and calls for $26.5 billion to be distributed over five years to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as $825 million for tribal transportation facilities.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is thrilled to launch this program to fix thousands of bridges across the country,” said DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Modernizing America’s bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth, and make people’s lives better in every part of the country – across rural, suburban, urban and tribal communities.”

The goal is to repair 15,000 bridges nationwide.

“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,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack.

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.