Governor Rendell Announces Success of Accelerated Bridge Program

Goal Exceeded; PennDOT Ready For Second Year Success

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 500 structurally deficient bridges are being repaired, or under contract, because of funding for the Accelerated Bridge Program in the 2008-09 budget approved by the General Assembly and signed last year, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Friday.

By the June 30 deadline, the Department of Transportation opened bids on 470 contracts -- 59 more than the 411 goal set last year. Last year's budget included $350 million in state funds for additional bridge renovations and repairs.

"The General Assembly and I set high goals on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania, and PennDOT and its dedicated team met and exceeded our expectations," Governor Rendell said. "PennDOT has already begun work on 420 of these bridges. Obviously, that is producing a significant stimulus for the state's economy as well as a long-term benefit for residents. We are finally turning the corner on our backlog of bridge maintenance needs."

"Pennsylvania's Accelerated Bridge Program is working to provide a safer transportation system for the motoring public," said Senator J. Barry Stout, minority chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. "Our efforts as legislators committed to safety have produced a turn downward in the number of structurally deficient bridges. This is good news and shows true commitment by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation."

On top of the 470 Accelerated Bridge Program bridges, PennDOT has opened bids on contracts to fix another 70 structurally deficient bridges funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
07.16.09