Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania made history this week when the Shapiro Administration received the largest federal transportation grant the state has ever seen.
The $500 million Large Bridge Project grant, planned for the I-83 South Bridge in Harrisburg, was formally announced Wednesday at a press conference with Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, elected officials, and labor and local leaders.
The grant through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program will help replace the I-83 South Bridge, which connects downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County to the west shore in Cumberland County.
The bridge currently carries more than 125,000 vehicles over the Susquehanna River every day, 15 percent of which is truck traffic, according to a release from the Shapiro's office.
“I’m proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden Administration, Pennsylvania has been awarded $500 million for the replacement of the I-83 bridge over the Susquehanna River. This is the largest federal grant for a single transportation project in Pennsylvania history – and it’s a huge investment in this community and our Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
“I-83 is a vital artery in central Pennsylvania that connects our communities on each side of the river, helping 125,000 Pennsylvanians get to their jobs, medical appointments, and grocery stores every day. For a year and a half, I have bothered the President and Secretary Buttigieg about this bridge – and because they listened to the good people of Pennsylvania, we will get this job done under the leadership of Secretary Carroll to connect our communities and grow our economy for decades to come.”
“When the Biden-Harris Administration took office in 2021, America faced a serious and worsening problem when it came to the condition of its bridges. Now we are seeing rapid progress in improving the condition of America’s bridges, thanks largely to President Biden’s historic infrastructure law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“The number of bridges in good condition versus poor condition has already improved substantially under President Biden’s leadership, and today I’m thrilled to be in Pennsylvania to announce funding to repair or replace 13 of America's largest and economically significant bridges, including the I-83 South Bridge right here in Harrisburg.”
“This grant to replace the I-83 South Bridge is a game-changing victory for all who live, work, and travel through South Central Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey. “I pushed for this $500 million in funding from the infrastructure law because I know how important it is that this bridge remains safe and reliable for the many Pennsylvanians who count on it. Today, we’re celebrating a truly generational investment in our infrastructure, our safety, our supply chains, and our communities.”
“PennDOT is immensely grateful for the advocacy of Governor Josh Shapiro, Sen. Casey, and our federal delegation in helping to secure Pennsylvania’s largest ever federal transportation grant,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We also thank President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and our federal partners for this critical investment that will not only make travel on the South Bridge safer and more efficient but will also allow existing funds to accelerate other highway projects across Pennsylvania.”
“Construction is the surest sign of progress, and the expansion of the South Bridge will allow Harrisburg to reach new heights. More than 125,000 vehicles cross this bridge every day,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. “It is a lifeline that supports our economy, and that of our neighbors on both sides of the Susquehanna River. The City is indebted to Governor Shapiro, Senator Casey, and Secretary Buttigieg for investing in Harrisburg in this truly impactful way.”
The I-83 South Bridge was built in 1960, widened in 1982 and is reaching the end of its serviceable lifespan, meaning that wear and tear requires more regular, frequent, and costly repairs. In addition to replacing the bridge, the Lemoyne interchange will be reconfigured, the S. 3rd Street bridge in Lemoyne will be replaced, and the viaduct from the Susquehanna River to Cameron Street including the Front Street/2nd Street interchange will be reconstructed.
Through the project, the structure will be widened and modernized with improved shoulders, on- and off-ramps, and interchanges, which is anticipated to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety.
The project’s total estimated cost is $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion. Following this grant award, PennDOT will move the project into final design and procurement with construction beginning in 2026.
Information on the project can be found on the project website at www.penndot.pa.gov/i83SouthBridge .
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