Bridges

February 28, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the agreement between Illinois and Missouri on the Mississippi River Bridge:    » read more »

Illinois and Missouri agree to a $640 million project that will not require tolls and will enhance traffic safety, reduce congestion and spur job creation; A portion of Illinois' funding is contingent on passage of Illinois Works

February 28, 2008 -- ST. LOUIS – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois and Governor Matt Blunt of Missouri announced an agreement to construct a new four-lane bridge across the Mississippi River from East St. Louis to St. Louis that will improve traffic safety and reduce congestion across the region.    » read more »

Fund announced in November will now provide up to $20,000 per claimant for lost wages

February 7, 2008 -- Saint Paul – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that the amount available in near-term relief for victims of the I-35W bridge collapse is increasing from $10,000 to $20,000 per claimant. The increase is based on the amount of funds available after initial claims were processed.    » read more »

Coalition of Safety Advocates Urges Federal Transportation Officials to Intervene

Jan. 28, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – A proposal by Maine officials to allow trucks weighing up to 105,000 pounds full access to the state’s highways and bridges greatly increases the likelihood of a catastrophic bridge collapse similar to the one in Minneapolis last summer, a coalition of safety groups said Friday.    » read more »

January 18, 2008 -- VANCOUVER – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today were joined by state and local officials to announce a bi-state commitment to replacing the Interstate bridges that connect Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

“The oldest part of this river crossing is 90 years old and bogs down I-5 traffic like the small hole in an hourglass,” Governor Kulongoski said. “We have two choices: do nothing or invest in a multi-modal solution that strengthens our economy and enhances this region’s quality of life.”    » read more »

Governor Pawlenty statement in reaction to information released today by the National Transportation Safety Board

January 15, 2008 -- Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty in reaction to information released today by the National Transportation Safety Board.

“Although the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation has not been completed, today we learned the I-35W Bridge had a serious original design flaw that existed from the time the bridge was built in the 1960s.    » read more »

Package includes $965 million in general obligation bonding; $1.09 billion total

January 14, 2008 -- Saint Paul – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today released his bonding proposal for the 2008 legislative session, putting a strong focus on transportation infrastructure and statewide investment priorities that will yield significant long-term benefits.

The proposal calls for $965 million in general obligation bonding, with a total of $1.09 billion when user-financed bonds, trunk highway bonds, and cash amounts are included.    » read more »

January 10, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today announced a funding proposal that includes legislation authorizing tolling on the SR520 Evergreen Point Bridge to help pay for replacement of the 44-year-old structure.

Joining Gov. Gregoire was King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger and civic leaders from both sides of Lake Washington.    » read more »

November 13, 2007 -- (Des Moines) – On September 14, 2007, in an effort to help farmers move this year’s record corn harvest, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed a proclamation granting a temporary weight limit exemption. This proclamation increased the weight allowable for shipment of soybeans, corn, hay, straw and stover to 88,000 pounds gross weight without the need for an oversize/overweight permit. This exemption, set to expire on Wednesday, will be extended. On Thursday, November 15, Governor Culver will issue a proclamation extending the exemption for an additional 30 days.    » read more »

Washington, D.C., 11/1/2007 -- Robert L. Darbelnet, President & CEO, AAA:

I appreciate the opportunity to be here today and to discuss what is arguably one of the hottest topics in transportation right now – public private partnerships.

But first, allow me to deliver a message on behalf of our 50 million plus members. It’s a simple message of appreciation – thank you.

Thank you for designing and building the finest network of highways, roads, bridges, tunnels and other transportation assets in the history of mankind.    » read more »

State also receiving $4.8 million for projects related to flooding in southeastern Minnesota

November 1, 2007 -- Saint Paul – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that the U.S Department of Transportation has released $123.5 million in emergency relief (ER) funding to the State of Minnesota for emergency response, recovery and rebuilding of the I-35W Bridge. An additional $4.8 million was released to help pay for repair or reconstruction of roads damaged by flooding in southeastern Minnesota.    » read more »

All Connecticut Bridges Now on Two-Year Inspection Cycle

October 8, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed inspecting all 561 bridges previously on a four-year inspection cycle that came due this year, bringing all Connecticut bridges onto a two-year cycle.    » read more »

September 21, 2007, Juneau, Alaska - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today directed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to look for the most fiscally responsible alternative for access to the Ketchikan airport and Gravina Island instead of proceeding any further with the proposed $398 million bridge.    » read more »

12 Percent of New York's Bridges Classified as Structurally Deficient, 26 Percent Classified as Functionally Obsolete

Massachusetts to receive an additional $42 million for bridge repairs

September 11, 2007, WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) voted yesterday to increase funding for critical bridge repairs.

Senator Kennedy said, “The nation’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and renovation, and these funds are an important down payment to begin the process. Massachusetts has some of the oldest bridges in the nation, and I’m pleased that a substantial portion of these funds will go to make sure that they are in the best possible condition.”    » read more »