Pennsylvania is receiving $1.63 billion over five years, including $327.2 million this year, to repair more than 3,000 bridges from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The money is coming from the Bridge Formula Program created by the infrastructure law that dedicates a total of $26.5 billion to states over the five years and $825 million for tribal transportation facilities.

In a news release, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said the program is the largest bridge formula program in American history.

“For a long time, Pennsylvanians have had to make do with driving over thousands of bridges in poor condition. Now, I am proud to say that this year alone, hundreds of millions of dollars will go towards repairing and upgrading those bridges, which are so vital to the commonwealth.

“This investment will better connect communities, stimulate job growth across Pennsylvania and make commutes to work and school much safer. Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, we can expect billions of dollars more that will strengthen our communities and our economy,” Casey said.

Pennsylvania has 3,353 bridges in poor condition. That is the second highest among the states, Casey said.

Pennsylvania has one of the largest state-maintained highway and bridge networks in the nation, with nearly 40,000 miles of roadway and over 25,400 bridges maintained by the state Department of Transportation. That number grows to approximately 120,000 miles of roadway and 32,000 bridges when considering the state and local networks, according to PennDOT.

The funding will help to improve the condition of about 3,195 bridges in poor condition and to preserve and improve about 12,260 bridges in fair condition in the state, according to Casey.

“This is a historic investment for Pennsylvania, and for our nation,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in the news release. “Strong infrastructure is critical to the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians, especially strong, safe bridges. Bridges are the lifelines that connect our communities to one another, while modern, reliable infrastructure is essential for Pennsylvania-based businesses to expand.”

Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect and construct highway bridges, the program has dedicated funding for tribal transportation facility bridges as well as “off-system” bridges, locally owned facilities that are those not on the federal-aid highway system.

The bipartisan infrastructure law includes an incentive for states to direct the new program funds to off-system bridges owned by a county, city, town or other local agency. While states generally must match federal funding with up to 20% state or local funding, the guidance issued Friday notes that federal funds can be used for 100% of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating such locally owned off-system bridges.

The law also provides the Federal Highway Administration with more than $350 billion over five fiscal years for surface transportation programs.

The FHA will administer the program for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The total amount that will be available to states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in the fiscal year 2022 is $5.3 billion along with $165 million for tribes.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the news release: “The Biden-Harris Administration is thrilled to launch this program to fix thousands of bridges across the country – the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate highway system. Modernizing America’s bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth and make people’s lives better in every part of the country – across rural, suburban, urban and tribal communities.”

“This record amount of funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow states and tribal governments to fix the bridges most in need of repair,” said Stephanie Pollack, deputy Federal Highway Administrator, in the release. “It will also modernize bridges to withstand the effects of climate change and to make them safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

“Every state has bridges in poor condition and in need of repair, including bridges with weight restrictions that may force lengthy detours for travelers, school buses, first responders or trucks carrying freight.”