BRIDGE Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a new grant program to help local transit agencies fix or replace aging commuter rail bridges. The program would provide $1.5 billion every year from 2027 through 2031 to ensure these bridges remain safe and reliable for daily travelers.
• Transit agencies that run commuter trains can apply for this money to cover the costs of major repairs or building entirely new bridges. The grants can also be used for bridges that carry other types of traffic, like cars or long-distance passenger trains, as long as commuter trains use them too.
• The government will decide who gets the money based on how old and worn out a bridge is, how much the local agency needs the help, and if the project is already listed as a top priority in the agency's long-term safety and maintenance plans.
• This policy aims to prevent service delays and safety issues caused by crumbling infrastructure. By focusing specifically on rail bridges, it helps cities maintain the backbone of their public transportation systems without relying solely on general transit funds.