Local Bridges Fund

The Local Bridges Fund is a state-administered infrastructure grant program managed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation through its Division of Local Aid and Economic Development. The program is designed to support the maintenance and improvement of county-owned bridges across the state. It reflects New Jersey’s broader commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable transportation network by providing financial assistance to all 21 counties for critical bridge projects. The program is funded through the state’s Transportation Trust Fund and has been in operation since 2009, supporting hundreds of bridge improvements statewide. The primary purpose of the Local Bridges Fund is to provide funding for preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, and selective replacement of bridges that are structurally deficient, scour critical, or functionally obsolete. The program prioritizes projects that address significant safety and structural concerns, with the goal of removing bridges from critical condition lists and preventing further deterioration. Eligible projects include both major bridges exceeding 20 feet in length and, in limited cases, minor bridges or structures requiring urgent repair. The program emphasizes improving bridge conditions before they become severe, thereby extending infrastructure lifespan and enhancing public safety. Funding provided through the program is restricted to construction-related costs only. Counties are not permitted to use funds for internal labor or force account work, and reimbursement is structured so that up to 75 percent of the awarded amount may be invoiced prior to project completion, with the remaining balance disbursed upon submission of final documentation. Each county receives a base allocation of funding, with additional funds distributed based on a formula that considers total bridge deck area and the extent of structurally deficient bridge infrastructure within the county. Projects must reach construction award within 36 months of notification to ensure timely implementation. Eligibility for the Local Bridges Fund is limited exclusively to New Jersey county governments. Each county may submit up to five project applications per funding cycle and must prioritize them within the submission. Applications must be submitted through the NJDOT Project Management and Reporting System and require detailed information including project name, structure identification, condition ratings, location, total cost estimates, and a comprehensive project description and justification. Supporting documentation such as maps and photographs is strongly encouraged to demonstrate project need and anticipated outcomes. Applications are evaluated by the Division of Bridge Engineering and Infrastructure Management using a structured set of criteria. Primary consideration is given to bridges classified as structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or scour critical. Secondary consideration may be given to minor bridges or structures requiring high-priority repairs when no primary intervention projects are available. Additional evaluation factors include project readiness, completeness of application materials, and the likelihood of achieving measurable improvements in bridge condition and safety. The program operates on an annual cycle, with funding announcements typically issued in July. Application submission generally occurs between August and December, followed by a period for resolution and agreement execution extending into the spring. Final project awards are expected within 36 months of funding notification. While the program is recurring, each cycle requires counties to submit new applications for consideration. For assistance, counties may contact NJDOT district offices or the Local Aid Resource Center via phone or email, ensuring access to technical guidance throughout the application and project delivery process.

Prioritize structurally deficient or critical bridges and demonstrate strong project readiness with clear documentation and supporting visuals