Bridge Protection Act
Sponsored By: Representative Van Drew
In Committee
Summary
Require vessel-collision vulnerability assessments and risk-reduction plans for bridges built before 1996 over navigable waters. The bill also creates an interagency bridge safety team and a competitive grant program to pay for assessments and physical improvements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants to protect older waterway bridges
If enacted, the Department of Transportation would run a competitive grant program. Owners of “covered bridges” (over navigable water, built before 1996) could apply. Grants could pay for vessel-collision risk checks or physical fixes. The bill authorizes $500 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Owners would need to apply in the form and manner that DOT requires.
Bridge owners face new safety checks
If enacted, owners of covered bridges would need a vessel collision risk check to receive title 23 funds. The check would use AASHTO Method II, and results must be sent to the Secretary of Transportation. If a bridge’s risk is above the AASHTO threshold, the owner would need a risk reduction plan within 1 year. Starting October 1, 2026, owners who do not implement the plan could lose eligibility for federal grants for that bridge unless DOT grants an extension.
New bridge safety team and database
If enacted, the Department of Transportation would set up an interdisciplinary bridge safety team. Staff would come from the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The team would give guidance, oversee compliance, and run a national vulnerability database. DOT would add each assessment’s results to the National Bridge Inventory within one year after completion. DOT could keep sensitive data confidential to protect bridge security.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Van Drew
NJ • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
NV • D
Sponsored 5/29/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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