Three years after its launch, Pennsylvania’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Program is falling short of its goal to replace 558 structurally deficient bridges.
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) statement, the $899 million public-private partnership’s (P3) 390th bridge was opened during the final week of 2017, leaving 168 structures still in need of upgrades.
PennDOT cites higher costs, right-of-way access and issues related to utility coordination for slowing progress but insists the program has been successful in clearing its backlog of bridge repairs.
The joint venture construction team of Walsh Construction Co. and Granite Construction Co. has replaced more than 240 single-span bridges, 129 box culverts and 12 multi-span structures in 61 counties. Of the 218 projects completed during the 2017 construction season, 96% were ahead of schedule.
----------
Source: Engineering News-Record
