The Biden administration has announced the first round of a federal bridge infrastructure project, which includes $5 billion in funding for states across the country.
Big Bridge Makeover
Bridges across the United States are getting a much-needed makeover, and many are being replaced entirely, thanks to a new round of federal grants announced by the Biden administration on Wednesday.
13 “Nationally Significant” Bridges
13 bridges deemed “nationally significant” and located in 16 states will receive funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program.
$1.6 Trillion Infrastructure Bill
The funding is part of an extensive $1.6 trillion infrastructure bill, known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that seeks to support and repair supply chain infrastructure throughout the US. Last year the Biden administration sought $109 billion for the 2025 fiscal budget to directly address this issue.
Reconstruction, Repair, Restoration
A press release by the US Department of Transportation emphasized that “American-made materials” will be used for the “reconstruction, repair, and restoration” of each bridge.
Prioritizes Bridges
These 13 bridges include the Sagamore Bridge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and two vertical lift bridges that act as connecting freeways between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.
“Worst Trucking Bottleneck” in the Region
The two bridges between Portland and Vancouver are said to be “the worst trucking bottleneck” in that area of the country, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
$1 Billion for 1 Bridge
All three bridges will be replaced, with the Sagamore costing nearly $1 billion and the remaining two costing a combined $1.4 billion.
Other Important Builds
Another interstate bridge between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas will receive $394 million for replacement. The remaining funds will be used to replace and repair 9 other bridges.
Impacted States
The remaining bridges are found in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, West Virginia, Ohio, New Mexico, and Kansas.
“Critical Corridors for Freight”
These bridges are considered “critical corridors for freight,” and initially received $675 million in December as part of the fiscal budget. Initiatives to improve shipping infrastructure and climate sustainability initiatives also received $860 million.
A Vital Purpose
This recent announcement for funding will do wonders for bridges that serve a vital purpose in both facilitating supply chains and the commute of millions of people around the country.
Gone on for “Too Long”
“For too long America let bridges fall into disrepair, which left people less safe, disrupted our supply chains, and cost people time and money,” said Buttigieg in a press release.
“Proud to Announce” the Project
“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,” he continued.
Thousands in Poor Condition
Bridges in the US are around 70 years old on average, and according to data from the federal government approximately 42,400 bridges are still in poor condition despite being used by around 167 million vehicles every day.
New Modifications
Bridges that are replaced under the finding program will also have new constructions fitted with lanes for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit, and will also be built to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters.
“Ensuring Vital Connections”
“Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program, we are reinvesting in our infrastructure and ensuring vital connections for Americans who need to get to a job, a class, or a doctor,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt.
Advancing Critical Projects
“These grants are helping to advance critical bridge projects across the nation that will improve overall quality of life and ensure this country’s infrastructure works for everyone,” she continued.
Largest Bridge Investment in Decades
This $5 billion grant is the latest in a $40 billion fund granted under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This $40 billion sum will be used over the next 5 years and is the largest single investment into US bridge infrastructure in decades.
Is It Enough?
Despite being a comparatively large sum, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association has claimed that it is still not enough, pointing to the 42,000+ bridges still in need of repairs.
Hundreds of Billions Needed
The association, which represents the transportation construction industry in the United States, claims that as much as $319 billion is needed to bring bridges in the US up to adequate construction standards.
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