Local bridge program

The focus of this program is to preserve and improve the condition of bridges that are physically deteriorated or structurally deficient through replacement, rehabilitation and systematic preventive maintenance, that are owned by cities and counties.

In 2013, the Federal Transportation Act eliminated the Highway Bridge Program as a stand-alone funding source for bridges. Instead, bridges located on the federal-aid system are eligible for funding under the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP). Bridges that are not located on the federal-aid system are provided a separate set-aside in the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program. Therefore, in Washington, the Advisory Group created a set-aside for a local bridge program that includes funding from the NHPP and STBG for both on and off system bridges.

In addition, the Federal Transportation Act requires the establishment of performance measures for State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to use in managing bridge performance on the National Highway System (NHS). The required measures are: Percent (%) of NHS bridges by deck area classified as in Good condition and percent (%) of NHS bridges by deck area classified in Poor condition.