LOC News
Local Bridge Program Projects – 2027-2030 Solicitation Open
2027-2030 is not a misprint. This is simply the process timeline for the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Local Agency Bridge Selection Committee (LABSC). This committee is soliciting local bridge project funding applications for 2027-2030 funding under ODOT’s local bridge program. Applications are due October 16, 2023.
Because this program is modeled on the old Federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, only bridges listed in the National Bridge Inventory are eligible for this funding. The primary selection criteria is the Technical Ranking System (TRS). However, priority is given to investments that are strategic in nature to ensure that freight corridors are maintained.
The preliminary Local Bridge Program eligibility list is based on data from the National Bridge Inventory as of April 2023. The final eligibility list will be taken from the April 2024 inventory. If a more recent National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) inspection or ODOT-approved load rating shows that a bridge would later be eligible, applicants should provide the relevant information so the eligibility list can be updated accordingly.
The guidelines developed in 2004 separate bridges into “small bridges” (smaller than 30,000 square feet) and “large bridges” (those larger than 30,000 square feet).
For small bridges: the TRS will be applied to bridge replacements with decks less than 30,000 square feet.
For large bridges: the LABSC will determine the ranking system for bridges over 30,000 square feet.
The Highway Bridge Program requires a 10.27% funding match when using traditional federal project delivery. Fund exchange project delivery will follow practices agreed to by the LOC and the Association of Oregon Counties.
Applications will be processed by ODOT, and the LABSC will prioritize them and prepare the scoping list in early 2024. The committee will make funding recommendations for 2027-2030 in early 2025 after field scoping and a final technical ranking is calculated.
For Local Bridge Program questions please contact Holly Winston at (503) 986-3356, holly.m.winston@odot.oregon.gov, or Michael McDonald at (971) 283-5611, michael.mcdonald@odot.oregon.gov.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 8/18/23