Dozens of aging bridges in 16 states will undergo replacement or improvement with the assistance of $5 billion in federal grants recently announced by the Biden administration. This allocation is part of a significant infrastructure law and covers projects nationwide.
The largest funding, $1.4 billion, will contribute to replacing two vertical lift bridges over the Columbia River, crucial for Interstate 5 traffic between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. These bridges have been identified as a significant bottleneck in the transportation system.
Other notable projects receiving substantial funding include the Sagamore Bridge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts; a bridge project on Interstate 10 in Mobile, Alabama; and the Interstate 83 South bridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which was visited by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to emphasize the importance of these infrastructure improvements.
The investments are part of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law signed in 2021, focusing on bridges and totaling $40 billion over five years. The aim is to address critical infrastructure needs across the country. However, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association estimates that the U.S. requires $319 billion for bridge repairs, indicating a significant gap in funding despite these grants.
Currently, approximately 42,400 bridges in the U.S. are in poor condition, yet they handle a significant daily traffic volume of 167 million vehicles. Most of these bridges have issues with their supporting structures. The average age of the nation’s poor bridges is 70 years, underscoring the urgent need for investment.
Bridges play a crucial role in supporting transportation and commerce, with their significance often overlooked until their deterioration impacts daily commutes and economic activities. A recent tragic incident was the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland due to a cargo ship collision, resulting in fatalities and highlighting the consequences of neglecting infrastructure maintenance.
Various projects across the country will benefit from the recent grants, including initiatives in Rhode Island, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio and West Virginia. These investments aim to address critical infrastructure needs and enhance transportation safety and efficiency.
