Local Bridge Grant Program

The Arkansas Department of Transportation administers the Local Bridge Program to provide Federal-aid funding for the improvement, replacement, and rehabilitation of bridges located on public roads that are not part of the Federal-aid Highway System. These bridges, commonly referred to as Off-System bridges, are typically owned and maintained by local entities such as counties, municipalities, townships, or federally recognized tribes. The program is authorized under federal transportation law and implemented at the state level to address infrastructure needs that fall outside the primary federal highway network. Oversight and administration of the program are handled by the Department’s Program Management Division, which ensures compliance with federal and state requirements. The primary purpose of the program is to support the safety, reliability, and functionality of locally owned bridges that may otherwise lack sufficient funding for major improvements. Eligible activities include bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, protection, and new construction. The program is structured to address infrastructure deficiencies and prioritize projects that demonstrate clear need, particularly those that improve safety and accessibility. Projects that address bridges in poor or fair condition, those with weight restrictions, or those with documented operational or safety concerns are given priority during evaluation. Funding under the program is provided through a cost-sharing structure in which the Arkansas Department of Transportation contributes 90 percent of eligible project costs using Federal-aid funds, while the Local Public Agency is responsible for a 10 percent local match. All phases of a project are eligible for funding, including feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, construction, and construction engineering. A $5,000 deposit from the Local Public Agency is required before initiation of the feasibility study phase. In cases where a project does not proceed to construction, the local agency may be required to reimburse certain incurred costs, including full right-of-way and utility expenses and a portion of preliminary engineering costs. Eligibility for the program is restricted to bridges that meet three core criteria: they must be located on routes classified as off the Federal-aid Highway System, they must be listed on the National Bridge Inventory, and they must be owned by a qualifying local public entity or federally recognized tribe. The application process begins when a Local Public Agency submits a formal request letter to the Arkansas Department of Transportation Director. This request must include identifying details such as the bridge structure number, if available, and a description of the location. Upon receipt, the Department evaluates the project for eligibility and communicates the determination back to the applicant. Approved projects follow a structured two-step development process. The first step involves a feasibility study conducted in coordination with the Department and an on-call consultant. This study identifies the most appropriate improvement approach, assesses environmental considerations, and produces preliminary engineering documents including up to 30 percent design plans and cost estimates. If the Local Public Agency elects to proceed, the second step advances the project into full design and construction, supported by additional agreements and funding allocations. Project selection is competitive and based on statewide needs, with annual funding availability determined each Federal Fiscal Year. The number of projects awarded per Local Public Agency may be limited depending on available funding resources. Throughout the process, the Local Public Agency serves as the project sponsor and is responsible for long-term maintenance of the bridge after completion. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with federal funding allocations, although specific application deadlines are not formally published and requests may be submitted on an ongoing basis. For additional information or to initiate a request, Local Public Agencies may contact the Arkansas Department of Transportation Local Programs Division via email or phone. The program emphasizes collaboration between state and local entities to ensure that critical infrastructure improvements are effectively planned, funded, and delivered to enhance transportation safety and connectivity across Arkansas.