Mary Scott NabersAmerica’s bridge infrastructure has been a significant concern for at least the last twenty years, but the critical needs are slowly being addressed. In 2016, an annual report from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) listed approximately 56,000 bridges that were deemed to be structurally deficient. That staggering reality initiated immediate action from government officials and developers. Nationwide, repair and replacement work on bridges today shows that upgrade or replacement projects are occurring on about 300–600 bridges annually. While that sounds impressive, at that rate, America’s backlog of bridge infrastructure projects could easily require several more decades of work, and in the interim, other bridges will be added to the priority list for immediate attention.
Today, bridge projects are either underway or in planning phases in almost every state in the country. Examples of upcoming projects listed in this insight outline many common and basic components that can be found in almost all upcoming planned projects. Basic objectives center on sustainability, adequacy, public safety, multi-use capabilities, and environmental preservation.
A 110-year-old bridge in the city of Sacramento, California, will be replaced at an estimated cost of $300 million. The existing bridge spans the Sacramento River, but its lanes are too narrow to accommodate city buses and there are no dedicated bike lanes, creating more safety risks. The replacement bridge will include wide sidewalks for pedestrians as well as new bike lanes. Design renderings call for tall, sleek towers at ridge entrances along with basket handle arches. The towers will contain the mechanics required to lift the bridge for boat traffic. While the functional aspect is impressive, the towers will also be illuminated at night to provide lighting for non-motorized travelers, making a significant mark on the city skyline.
After the replacement bridge is complete, project teams will demolish existing bridge viaducts to make room for future development and improved waterfront access. The upper deck of the existing bridge will be repurposed as a pedestrian and cyclist river crossing, and the lower deck will continue to function as a railroad crossing. Construction solicitations are expected in late 2025 with construction slated for 2026.
Council members in Hornell, New York, have announced a $55 million infrastructure project to improve the Route 36 corridor bridge. The project will replace the current structure and extend it by three miles. A key feature of the project will be the construction of a roundabout at the intersections of Route 36 and Route 66, designed to streamline and manage the traffic flow and reduce accidents. Engineering components will include narrowing the roadway from four lanes to two while also ensuring the accommodation of trucks, buses, and heavy freight vehicles. Additionally, a pedestrian and cyclist trail is included in planning documents.
The work will be completed in two phases and the first will focus on the Route 36 section within the city of Hornel. This work will include construction of the traffic circle and the replacement of the NY 36 bridge. The second phase will focus on bridge construction in the Village of Arkport. Despite the project being divided into two separate initiatives, the construction will begin simultaneously in late 2025 or early 2026.
Two Market Street Bridges connect Dauphin and Cumberland counties over the east and west channels of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. A $145.2 million project is planned to rehabilitate both bridges. Currently both structures lack shoulders and dedicated bike lanes, and they also suffer from significant structural deterioration. While the project is focused on safe and efficient multi-modal transportation across both bridges, project components will also include work to protect the historical integrity of the eastern bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sidewalks will be improved, and shoulders will be added to both bridges along with bicycle pavement markings and shared-use lane signage. A separate utility bridge will be constructed downstream, and all utilities located under the sidewalks of Market Street Bridges will be relocated along with gas transmission lines, fiber optic telecommunication lines, and one sewer line. The utility bridge will have pedestrian and cyclist access designed to limit traffic disruptions for future utility work and also provide safer commuting for pedestrians and cyclists. Currently in the design phase, this large initiative will be completed in three phases over two years, with a construction launch scheduled for 2027.
The Florida Department of Transportation will oversee the replacement of an existing bridge over the Sebastian Inlet, which is located off the coast of Melbourne Beach. The objective will be to reduce traffic congestion and remove existing structural issues. The $92 million project will deliver a significantly larger and wider structure and a shared pedestrian and cyclist passage alongside the new bridge. Additionally, the project will include construction of two new fishing piers which will also serve as scenic observation decks. Construction will take place in two phases to maintain traffic flow during the process. Work is scheduled to begin in 2026.
A $38 million bridge replacement project is planned for the current Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge in Richmond, Virginia. The current structure spans the outdated CSX rail line, which has no infrastructure space for pedestrians and cyclists. When completed, the new bridge will have wider travel lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, cyclist lanes, and improved access across the rail corridor. The project will deliver a modernized bridge structure that improves accessibility, safety, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. Currently in the final design stage, construction is planned for 2026.
City leaders in Knoxville, Tennessee, will oversee a $60 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge replacement project. Spanning the Tennessee River, the new structure will be designed to provide a direct and safe connection between the University of Tennessee campus and the South Waterfront District. While providing better access, safety, and sustainability, the new structure will feature dedicated bicycle lanes and pedestrian lanes wide enough for people to walk, take photos or just enjoy the views. The project is in the design and permitting phase, and construction is scheduled for late 2025.
With new bridge projects starting throughout the nation, engineering, construction, technology, land work, and professional services will be in high demand for the next few decades in America.
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