UDOT highlights new federal Bridge Formula funding; staff say 90 local bridges targeted for repair

UDOT staff described how a new federal Bridge Formula program created in the recent surface transportation authorization is providing predictable funding for bridge repair, and said the department is using that program to address local "off‑system" bridges that previously lacked reliable funding.

Carmen Swanwick and colleagues explained that the new Bridge Formula provides roughly $45 million a year for Utah and that federal guidance includes a minimum set‑aside for off‑system bridges. Swanwick said the Bridge Formula’s change in eligibility — allowing funding for local off‑system bridges — opened an opportunity for the department to program money toward smaller community structures that historically were hard to fund.

In the presentation, staff said they have identified roughly 90 bridges as an initial package of candidates for the Bridge Formula work; staff and commissioners discussed whether those bridges would require local matching and noted that many off‑system candidates do not require a state match. Staff said where bridges cross tribal lands the funding and administration approach depends on the ownership and program — some federal land access funds are administered by federal agencies rather than UDOT.

Why it matters: Bridges in poor condition pose risks to reliability and safety; the new Bridge Formula money was highlighted as a major new recurring federal source for bridge work that could accelerate repairs on smaller local structures. The commission discussed how the program complements existing state and local funding programs and asked staff to continue identifying packages for commission consideration.

No formal commission vote occurred; staff presented the Bridge Formula overview for commission feedback and to help shape upcoming project recommendations.