Maine is getting the largest share of a new $635 million federal road project to repair and replace bridges across the country.
The state is getting nearly a fifth of that total for a dozen bridges along interstate highways.
Bridges carrying rural roads over I-95 in Kennebec County will be replaced, and damaged and degrading bridges along I-395 in Bangor will also be rebuilt.
The money for all the projects nationwide is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The sum of $69,659,473 is going to the Maine Department of Transportation for the I-95 Accessibility Improvements Minimizing Heavy-Truck Impacts project that will replace six bridges on I-95.
The bridges were all built in the 1950s and are located in a priority corridor. The Federal Highway Administration says the bridges have insufficient vertical clearances and outdated design and are deteriorating. The agency points out those bridges are important because they serve as a major link to the region’s supply chain and provide access to employment, education and healthcare for Mainers.
An additional $63,016,563 is being sent to the state Department of Transportation for the I-395 Bridge Bundle project that will replace six damaged and degrading bridges along Interstate 395. The Highway Administration says the project will vastly improve the condition, safety, reliability, and resiliency of the bridges. The agency says the bridges and the highway are a major part of the roadway network that connects Bangor and Brewer to other parts of the state.
The grants nationwide are for more than 70 small-and medium-size bridges in 19 states, which according to the Highway Department, mark the latest infusion from a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law President Biden signed in 2021.
“Part of FHWA’s core mission is to connect communities, which includes the 22 bridge projects we’re funding across America under our bridge investment program,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White. “This infrastructure is critical to safely get people to where they need to go and to support our nation’s economy by advancing efficient delivery of goods.”
