Key Takeaways
- The Federal Highway Administration announced $5.4 billion in funding for roadway bridge construction and maintenance.
- Nearly $4.9 billion will be allocated through the Bridge Investment Program, while $500 million will be available under the Competitive Highway Bridge Program.
- Recent changes to grant requirements removed previous commitments to climate change and equity assessments.
Funding Announcement for U.S. Bridges
On June 2, the Federal Highway Administration unveiled a significant funding initiative, allocating $5.4 billion for the construction, repair, or maintenance of roadway bridges across the United States. This investment aims to address the urgent needs of the country’s infrastructure, as highlighted by recent assessments.
Of the total funding, approximately $4.9 billion will be accessible through the Bridge Investment Program, targeting projects with eligible costs exceeding $100 million. An additional $500 million is earmarked for states under the Competitive Highway Bridge Program. This funding is essential for enhancing bridge safety and functionality, especially considering that many bridges are in dire need of repairs.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the U.S. highway bridge system holds a “C” grade in the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card—a rating that remains unchanged from 2021. The report indicates that among the over 623,000 bridges in the country, nearly 49.1% are classified as being in fair condition, while 6.8% fall into the poor category. Despite the $40 billion allocated for bridge improvements through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, ASCE estimates that around $373 billion will be necessary over the next decade to restore these structures to a satisfactory condition. The report also highlights that over 22,000 bridges are vulnerable to damage from extreme weather events, urging states to prioritize critical structures, such as those that handle high traffic volumes or serve as essential evacuation routes.
Under the previous Biden administration, grant applications were subject to requirements that included assessments for equity and sustainability. Applicants were encouraged to engage disadvantaged business enterprises and promote workforce diversity among women, minorities, and individuals with prior criminal records. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized these past requirements as hindrances to effective infrastructure funding, labeling them as “woke DEI and Green New Scam initiatives” that diverted focus from the Department’s primary mission.
In light of these changes, the current Department of Transportation (DOT) reviewed the existing grant programs, leading to a requirement that states, cities, and other government entities amend previously submitted applications to the Bridge Investment Program. Notably, applications submitted to the Competitive Highway Bridge Program will not be evaluated, necessitating that interested parties reapply.
The deadlines for application submissions are set for August 1 for the Bridge Investment Program and August 4 for the Competitive Highway Bridge Program. This funding opportunity represents a strategic move to streamline bridge maintenance and construction efforts across the nation, providing a pathway for essential infrastructure improvements.
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