HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, officials, and community leaders yesterday celebrated securing Pennsylvania’s largest federal transportation grant for the I-83 South Bridge. Funded by a $500 million Federal Highway Administration grant, the Large Bridge Project will replace the vital bridge connecting downtown Harrisburg to the west shore.
Vital Infrastructure Upgrade
The I-83 South Bridge connects Dauphin and Cumberland counties across the Susquehanna River. It is a critical route for over 125,000 vehicles daily. The bridge has developed severe cracks, raising safety concerns and the potential need for weight limits, which could disrupt freight movement and cause traffic congestion.
“This grant to replace the I-83 South Bridge is a game-changing victory for all who live, work, and travel through South Central Pennsylvania,” said Senator Casey. “I pushed for this $500 million in funding from the infrastructure law because I know how important it is that this bridge remains safe and reliable for the many Pennsylvanians who count on it. Today, we’re celebrating a truly generational investment in our infrastructure, our safety, our supply chains, and our communities.”
Federal and State Collaboration
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised the progress made under President Biden’s infrastructure plan. “When the Biden-Harris Administration took office in 2021, America faced a serious and worsening problem when it came to the condition of its bridges. Now we are seeing rapid progress in improving the condition of America’s bridges, thanks largely to President Biden’s historic infrastructure law.”
Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the significance of the grant, stating, “I’m proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden Administration, Pennsylvania has been awarded $500 million for the replacement of the I-83 bridge over the Susquehanna River. This is the largest federal grant for a single transportation project in Pennsylvania history – and it’s a huge investment in this community and our Commonwealth.”
Bridge Investment Program
The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP), a competitive initiative established by the IIJA to repair or replace bridges in poor condition. Senator Casey played a crucial role in securing this funding, having cosponsored the Bridge Investment Act.
The I-83 South Bridge’s condition has made it PennDOT’s top priority for replacement. The deteriorating state of the bridge poses significant risks, highlighted by the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse in Pittsburgh in 2022. Replacing the I-83 South Bridge will not only ensure safety but also improve the efficiency of transportation and freight movement in the region.
Broader Impact
In addition to this specific grant, the IIJA will provide $1.6 billion in federal formula funding to repair or replace bridges across Pennsylvania. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance infrastructure, improve safety, and support economic growth throughout the state.
The replacement of the I-83 South Bridge marks a significant step forward in addressing Pennsylvania’s infrastructure challenges. With strong federal and state collaboration, this project sets a precedent for future investments in the nation’s critical transportation networks.
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