Local bridge program call for projects

Open - Applications due Friday, August 7, 2026

WSDOT anticipates additional funding may become available for the Federal Local Bridge Program (FLBP) through a new federal transportation act. Project selection and funding awards through this program are contingent on the passage of a new act, final funding levels, and program capacity.

The purpose of the FLBP is to improve the condition of bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and preservation / risk-reduction projects. It also incentivizes agencies to use asset management strategies that provide cost-effective solutions to maximize the expected service life of the structure.

General eligibility criteria

All local agency bridge owners are eligible to apply. Structures reported to the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) and subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) are eligible. Reportable structures are greater than 20 ft. in length and carry public vehicular traffic. Closed bridges are eligible if they have been closed for less than five years, and if open to vehicular traffic, would be NBI reportable. Structures meeting the eligibility criteria for each sub-category below may apply for funding.

1. Replacement and rehabilitation criteria

Replacement projects involve the total replacement of an existing structure with a new facility constructed in the same general traffic corridor. Rehabilitation projects involve major work required to restore the structural integrity and/or to correct major safety defects of a structure.

This category of projects is focused on local agency bridges that are in poor condition. Proposals are encouraged to incorporate and/or demonstrate the use of practical solutions throughout the life of the structure. This includes identifying the asset management strategies used to maximize the service life of the structure. Specific criteria for eligibility and funding are as follows:

• Structures eligible to apply for funding must meet one of the following criteria:
  - Have a Deck (BC01), Superstructure (BC02), Substructure (BC03), and/or Culvert (BC04) Overall Condition code of 4 or less;
  - Have an Inventory Rating Factor (BLR05) of less than 0.30 and be load posted for all legal vehicles;
  - Have an Overtopping Likelihood (BAP02) of 5 or higher;
• Additional funding considerations:
  - Projects receive a maximum award amount of $25 million per structure.
  - Local match requirements for federally eligible expenditures are dependent on the specific language of the new act.
  - Requests to bundle replacement and rehabilitation projects will be considered. Each structure must be submitted on its own application. Note in the submittal email which applications may be considered for bundling.

2. Preservation and risk reduction criteria

Preservation and Risk Reduction projects involve extending the service life of an existing structure. The primary activities for this category include steel bridge painting, scour mitigation, seismic retrofit, and deck resurfacing/repair. This includes identifying the asset management strategies used to maximize the service life of the structure. Specific criteria for eligibility and funding are as follows:

• Maximum award will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Steel bridge painting for structures that have greater than 2% of total paint area in Condition State 4.
• Scour mitigation for structures that are calculated or assessed as scour critical, having a scour vulnerability code (BAP03) of C, D, or E. Bridges with a scour vulnerability code of U may be considered eligible with a scour condition code (BC11) of 4 or less.
• Seismic retrofit on structures with a study showing high seismic vulnerability.
• Deck resurfacing/repair on structures that have a total area of 2% or greater of patches, spalls, and delaminations in the deck surface (sum of Condition States 2, 3 and 4).
•  Local match requirements for federally eligible expenditures are dependent on the specific language of the new act.

3. Bundled projects criteria

Local agency bridge owners can bundle several structures into one project application to perform specific preservation or risk reduction activities. Specific criteria for eligibility and funding are as follows:

• Maximum award will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Deck sealing and thin overlays for concrete decks with documented full-depth cracking.
• Deck repair for timber decks or slabs for elements in Condition States 3 and 4.
•  Expansion joint replacement for elements that are in Condition State 4.
• Concrete superstructure/substructure spall repair and patching for concrete elements that are in Condition State 3 and 4.
• Timber substructure repair for timber elements that are in Condition States 3 and 4.
• Other preservation or repair activities of a similar type on elements in Condition State 3 or 4.
• Local agencies are encouraged to partner with adjacent counties or cities.
• Local match requirements for federally eligible expenditures are dependent on the specific language of the new act.

Selection process

Proposals will be reviewed to ensure that they are complete and eligible for funding based on the above requirements. The review will include the following:

Field review assessments by the Local Programs Bridge Engineer will consider the current and historical bridge condition and planned work, including but not limited to:

• Replacement/Rehabilitation
  - Proposed structure type / Proposed rehab work
  - Route importance (NHS, functional class, detour)
  - Planning level and construction cost estimate
• Steel bridge painting
  - Existing structure type
  - Route importance (NHS, functional class, detour)
  - Paint condition history
  - Maintenance (cleaning) history
• Scour mitigation
  - Scour appraisal documentation on file
  - Scour history (inspection reports, soundings, countermeasures)
  - Route importance (NHS, functional class, detour)
  - Existing substructure design details
• Seismic retrofit
  - Seismic analysis and report for the recommended retrofit
  - Route importance (NHS, functional class, detour)
  - Existing substructure design details
• Deck resurfacing/repair
  - Review of deck condition history (Deck Overall code over the last 10 years)
  - Route importance (NHS, functional class, detour)
  - Scope of work: concrete repair with new overlay/sealing or full deck replacement

Local agency bridge program compliance, including but not limited to the following:

• Routine, NSTM, Underwater, and Special inspections performed on time
• Timely release of inspections into the state bridge inventory (WSBIS)
• Completed and updated load ratings
• Load postings
• FHWA compliance visit findings

Performance and delivery status of current bridge projects

• Projects not yet started from previous calls for projects
• Delivery of projects according to project timelines

Specific project awards may be made at any time prior to the bridge call closing based on project readiness, program capacity, and funding availability (pending passage of a new federal act). If an agency has a qualified bridge project that is construction-ready, the agency is encouraged to apply early as it may be considered for an early award.

A prioritized list will be submitted to the WSDOT Local Programs Director by November 18, 2026. The proposed list will be presented to the Bridge Advisory Committee for review and comment.

Program requirements

Applicants are required to report, at a minimum, semi-annually on the status and expenditure plan for each project.

Submittal process

Submittals must be sent by email (paper and CD submittals will not be accepted). Project proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Project applications

Project applications and supplemental documentation shall be submitted by email to hlpgrants@wsdot.wa.gov

• Please reference “2026 FLBP Application” in the subject line.

Electronic copies of the following are to be included in the submittal:

• Latest inventory and inspection reports for each structure included in the application.
• Electronic photos (JPEG format) for all project applications.
• Electronic Bridge Project Application Form (PDF 880KB) – WSDOT Form 140-007 (updated for 2026). Form must be downloaded and saved locally and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF capable software to complete the form.
• Other documents as needed; may include any of the following: load rating summary sheet, load rating report, scour appraisal, scour plan of action, seismic evaluation, bridge plans for existing bridges, and/or preliminary bridge plans for new bridges.
• Other attachments or supplemental information pertinent to the project application.