Governor Rendell Announces Success of Accelerated Bridge Program

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Map) - 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 today.

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."

Governor Rendell thanked the leaders of both parties in the House and Senate for their support for accelerating bridge repairs, and he urged them to include an additional $200 million investment for a second round of the Accelerated Bridge Program in the budget for the new fiscal year.

"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."

"PennDOT's accelerated bridge plan is well-thought out and well-executed," said Rep. Joseph Markosek, majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee. "I extend my accolades to PennDOT for their professionalism and enthusiasm for this necessary program. I cannot stress enough the significance of this program for our commonwealth."

"This exercise provides compelling evidence that the professionals at PennDOT can deliver a heavy load of transportation improvements if given the necessary financial tools to do so," said Senator Robert C. Wonderling, majority chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

"Our bridge design and district staff worked tirelessly to deliver this significant achievement," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "This degree of progress is testimony to the dedication of PennDOT people to serve the transportation needs of Pennsylvania."

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.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Rendell has consistently directed attention and funding to resolve a large backlog of bridge maintenance needs. Investments have risen from $259 million in 2002 to roughly $1 billion per year now. For the first time in recent memory, in March, the number of structurally deficient bridges in the state declined, from 6,034 in 2008 to 5,911.

"We also want to acknowledge the efforts of our consultant community, and especially that of the other state and federal regulatory agencies whose agreement was needed to advance these projects," Biehler added.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Rich Kirkpatrick, PennDOT 717-783-8800 Chuck Ardo 717-783-1116