Senator Collins Announces Nearly $133 Million for Bridge Replacements in Penobscot, Kennebec Counties

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has been awarded $132,676,036 for two projects in Penobscot and Kennebec County. This funding will assist in the rehabilitation or replacement of six bridges on Interstate-395 between Bangor and Brewer, and the replacement of six aging overpasses on Interstate-95 near Augusta. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Bridge Investment Program (BIP). With these two awards, the State of Maine is receiving more than 20% of the nearly $635 million being awarded nationwide through the BIP this funding round. Senator Collins sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of MaineDOT's grant requests.

In 2021, Senator Collins, then the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the bipartisan infrastructure law. This law established the BIP, which is the single largest dedicated investment in bridge infrastructure since the construction of the Interstate highway system.

"This funding will make our roadways safer and more resilient by addressing bridges that are crucial to Maine's infrastructure," said Senator Collins. "Upgrading these routes will ensure that vital travel corridors remain accessible for residents, businesses, and commercial transport alike."

"This funding will help fund a dozen significant bridge projects in Kennebec County and the Greater Bangor area," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "Our team will replace six deteriorating bridges in Sidney and Waterville that do not provide enough vertical clearance for interstate traffic. We will also make major improvements on six bridges along the I-395 corridor in Bangor and Brewer, including the rehabilitation of the Veterans Remembrance Bridge spanning the Penobscot River. These investments in our transportation system support safety, reliability, and economic opportunity. We thank Senator Collins and Maine's entire Congressional delegation for their ongoing commitment to supporting critical infrastructure projects in our state."

The funding is allocated as follows:

• I-395 Bridge Bundle Project - $63,016,563 to rehabilitate or replace six deteriorating bridges along I-395 to enhance safety and improve driving conditions for those traveling between Bangor and Brewer, benefiting both local and regional mobility.

• I-95 Accessibility Improvements Minimizing Heavy-Truck Impacts Project - $69,659,473 to replace six outdated bridges over I-95, bringing structures up to modern standards, allowing for safer heavy-truck passage, and reducing long-term maintenance needs on this critical route in Kennebec County.

According to the USDOT, the BIP provides funding for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection projects that reduce the number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of declining into poor condition.

Since 2009, when Senator Collins became a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

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