Massive Federal Grants to Rebuild Aging Bridges Across U.S.

The Biden administration has announced $5 billion in federal grants to replace or improve aging bridges in 16 states. This initiative is part of a larger $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, which aims to address the country's crumbling bridge infrastructure, many of which are over 70 years old and in poor condition.

The Biden administration on Wednesday announced a sweeping plan to modernize aging bridges across 16 states with the help of $5 billion in federal grants. The move is part of the largest dedicated bridge investment in decades.

The most substantial project involves $1.4 billion to replace two vertical lift bridges on the Columbia River, critical for Interstate 5 traffic between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Other significant funds include a $500 million investment in the Sagamore Bridge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the Interstate 83 South bridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the urgent need for these projects, citing their essential role in safety and the nation's economy. Despite these large grants, they only address a fraction of the $319 billion needed for bridge repairs nationwide, where thousands of bridges remain in poor condition.

(With inputs from agencies.)