America’s bridge infrastructure is entering a defining decade. Transportation agencies are advancing high value replacement projects that blend safety, mobility, freight reliability, and multimodal access. Many of the structures now slated for reconstruction were built between 1950 to 1980 and were never designed to accommodate today’s traffic volumes, vehicle weights, or safety standards. The result is a national wave of large-scale bridge investments that present significant opportunities for engineering firms, contractors, materials suppliers, and technology providers.
These projects reflect a shift toward resilient design, expanded capacity, pedestrian and bicycle integration, and long-term durability. With federal Bridge Investment Program dollars flowing, many states are allocating funding matches to support the planning and design phases for future projects. Numerous solicitations for significant projects will be released over the next 12 to 24 months, positioning 2026 and 2027 as pivotal years for preconstruction engagement.
Valley County officials in Idaho have announced a $54 million project to replace the Rainbow Bridge on State Highway 55 over the Payette River. The existing bridge is aging, weathered and no longer able to meet Idaho Transportation Department (IDOT) safety standards. Safety and operational concerns have persisted for years, including inadequate shoulder and lane widths, tight curves and vehicle length and weight restrictions. To keep the bridge safely in service while plans move forward, the Idaho Transportation Department has completed renovations and upgrades to maintain structural integrity during the design process.
IDOT is evaluating whether to demolish the existing bridge, but a final decision has not been made. Officials are weighing three design options for the replacement: a multi spandrel art deco arch, a steel thru arch, or a spandrel braced steel arch. The scope also includes constructing two new retaining walls to stabilize canyon slopes near the bridge and ensure safe passage during construction.
This project is currently in the design phase, with continued community engagement underway before all decisions are finalized. Construction is not expected to begin until 2028, but early industry positioning will be important as procurement milestones are established.
City officials in Harrisburg have announced a $1.3 billion bridge project that will replace the aging I 83 Bridge in Pennsylvania. This will be done in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The project represents one of the largest transportation investments in the region, and the objective is to improve long term mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance safety along this heavily traveled corridor.
The project will fully replace the main bridge with a new structure built to current compliance standards and designed to accommodate future traffic demand. Crews will rebuild and improve roadway approaches on both sides of the river to create safer merging areas and smoother traffic movements. Plans also call for reconfiguring nearby interchanges to reduce traffic conflicts and replace an older local bridge that connects surrounding roadways.
Work will include reconstructing elevated roadway sections, upgrading ramps, and widening the corridor to five lanes. The design adds full width shoulders, safer entrance and exit ramps, improved drainage systems and updated safety barriers to meet current highway requirements. The project is in final design, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 following completion of preconstruction activities.
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s long range improvement program outlines a $47.7 million replacement project for the Interstate 66 (I-66) bridge in Fauquier County. The current structure, built in 1980, no longer meets modern safety standards and cannot adequately accommodate regional traffic demands along the I-66 corridor.
The existing bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new structure featuring increased load capacity, enhanced structural components, and improved roadway elements. Current design considerations include upgraded drainage systems, reinforced foundations, and revised methods to improve long-term performance and durability. The initiative is intended to extend the service life of this critical crossing and improve reliability for commuters and freight movement.
The project is in the design stage, with solicitation documents scheduled for release in late 2026. Completion is currently targeted for summer 2029.
A new four lane bridge is being planned in Leavenworth County, Kansas, as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) prepares to replace the existing Centennial Bridge over the Missouri River. The project carries an estimated cost of $157 million and will be designed to deliver a modern vehicular multimodal bridge just north of the existing structure which is approaching the end of its useful life and facing increasing repair needs.
The replacement bridge will double traffic capacity and add dedicated pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. By constructing the new span adjacent to the existing crossing, KDOT can maintain regional connectivity during construction while incorporating existing roadway alignments. In addition to expanding capacity, the project will improve safety and reliability along a key regional corridor linking Kansas and Missouri. Once the new bridge is operational, the existing structure will be demolished. Final design is expected by June 2026, followed by a bid letting in mid to late 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for 2029.
Four aging Interstate 40 bridges in Apache County, Arizona are slated for replacement as part of a $34 million interchange improvement project which will be overseen by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Funding includes $27.5 million from the federal Bridge Investment Program, a $6.8 million state match, and additional support from ADOT’s Bridge Subprogram.
Located immediately west of the New Mexico border, the project will replace four rigid frame concrete bridges constructed in 1963 that no longer meet current safety and design standards. Additionally, improvements will be made to increase vertical clearances, mitigate recurring seasonal flooding, and enhance traffic operations along intersecting roadways.
A key component is the incorporation of safer and more accessible pedestrian facilities at both interchanges. This will improve access for residents and businesses while supporting regional connectivity. The project is moving through scoping and final design with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
City council members in Austin, Texas have approved plans to replace the Barton Springs Road bridge at a projected cost of $54.5 million. The project secured a $32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and that support will be matched by local funding.
The project will replace the 100-year-old bridge over Barton Creek with a modern structure that meets current safety and mobility standards. The new bridge will have a wider deck with improved vehicle lanes, expanded pedestrian walkways and dedicated bicycle crossings that connect seamlessly with the surrounding active transportation network. Intersection upgrades are also planned to improve traffic flow and overall accessibility.
The project has entered the design phase, and city officials anticipate releasing construction solicitation documents in late 2026. Construction is currently projected to begin in summer 2027.
These types of projects are critical to the country’s basic transportation infrastructure. The collaboration that will be required will represent strategic investments in resilience, safety, and economic vitality. With design milestones approaching and bid lettings on the horizon, the next two years will offer substantial opportunity for firms prepared to compete in an increasingly performance driven transportation marketplace.
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