Screening bridges strategically
4,000 deficient bridges were narrowed to 558 best-fit sites using 35 detailed factors on cost, condition, and readiness.
Practices
Pennsylvania advances safety and mobility through a statewide rapid bridge replacement program
Pennsylvania faced a large inventory of structurally deficient bridges and limited funding to address them through traditional delivery. PennDOT partnered with CDM Smith to identify the right path forward. The result aimed to accelerate replacements, reduce public inconvenience, and create a cost-effective statewide solution.
Driving design efficiency
Standardized bridge designs enabled assembly-line production, reducing costs and cutting delivery timelines.
Fast-tracking early work
The procurement allowed PennDOT to advance clearances for 88 sites while partners secured remaining approvals.
Optimizing maintenance roles
A phased maintenance approach allocated responsibilities to the party best positioned to perform each activity.
With project completion, all 558 poor-condition bridges were replaced, most ahead of traditional schedules and with minimal disruption to travelers. The program earned national recognition, including multiple industry awards, demonstrating how an innovative P3 model can modernize critical infrastructure at scale.