Grant Summary: FHWA Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Planning and Bridge Project Grants

Federal Highway Administration Discretionary Grants Opportunity

BIP Planning and Bridge Project Application Deadlines

• Planning Grants (Fiscal Year 2026): June 15, 2026
• Bridge Project Grants (Fiscal Year 2026): June 29, 2026

(Rolling application process through FY 2026 funding cycles.)

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Program Overview

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity NOFO) for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Planning and Bridge Project Grants.

This NOFO does not address large bridge projects and instead focuses on:

• Planning grants
• Bridge project grants (projects with total costs less than or equal to $100 million)

The program aims to:

• Improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of people and freight over bridges
• Provide financial assistance that leverages and encourages non-federal contributions
• Improve the condition of bridges in the United States

The BIP Planning and Bridge Project NOFO provides significant funding opportunities for small and mid-sized bridge projects and early-stage planning efforts, including:

• Project cost less than or equal to $100 million 
• Flexible planning and construction funding
• Strong alignment with federal priorities
• Emphasis on readiness, condition improvement and system-wide benefits

Amendments to Updated NOFO

• Removes references to rescinded Executive Orders and aligns NOFO with new Executive Orders
• Provides additional opportunity for applicants to amend previous applications
• Updates bicycle and pedestrian accommodation requirements
• Clarifies grant administration requirements

Funding Availability

Up to $9.62 billion in BIP funding is available across FY 2023-2026 for bridge and large bridge programs collectively, with a portion allocated to bridge projects (with costs less than or equal to $100 million).

Additional funding includes:

• Up to $20 million annually for planning grants

Key funding notes:

• Bridge project grants:
   
  • Minimum award: $2.5 million
  • Maximum federal share: 80% of eligible costs
• Planning grants:
   
  • No minimum or maximum award size
  • Non-federal match required

Eligible Projects

Funding is available for projects on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), including:

• Bridge replacement
• Rehabilitation or preservation
• Protective measures (e.g., seismic or scour mitigation)
• Bridge bundling programs
• Culvert improvements (limited eligibility)

Planning Grants

Support:

• Feasibility studies
• Planning and environmental linkages
• Revenue forecasting

Bridge Project Grants

Support:

• Design and engineering
• Environmental review
• Construction and implementation

Key Distinction: Not Large Bridge Projects

This NOFO specifically excludes large bridge projects, which are covered under a separate opportunity.

Key differences:

• Project cost must not exceed $100 million
• Lower award thresholds and broader eligibility
• Strong emphasis on bundled bridge programs and system-level improvements
• Greater accessibility for local agencies and smaller sponsors

Eligible Recipients

Eligible applicants include:

• States and groups of states
• Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) (urbanized areas with populations greater than 200,000)
• Local governments and political subdivisions
• Special purpose districts or public authorities
• Federal land management agencies
• Tribal governments or consortia
• Multi-jurisdictional partnerships

Bridge Project Grants Key Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate

• Project readiness to begin construction within 18 months of obligation
• Completion of preliminary engineering
• A long-term maintenance plan
• Accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians, where applicable

Evaluation Criteria

Bridge project applications are evaluated using six primary merit criteria:

1. State of good repair
2. Safety and mobility
3. Economic competitiveness and opportunity
4. Resiliency and the environment
5. Quality of life
6. Innovation

Additional required evaluations include:

• Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) (required for bridge projects)
• Project readiness assessment (permitting, financial, technical readiness)

Planning grants are evaluated separately and do not require a BCA or readiness rating.

Federal Priorities

FHWA will prioritize projects that advance:

• Safety (National Roadway Safety Strategy)
• Climate resilience and sustainability
• Equity and environmental justice
• Workforce development and job quality
• Economic opportunity and supply chain efficiency

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include:

• Project narrative (no longer than 25 pages)
• National Bridge Inventory (NBI) data
• Detailed budget and funding sources
• Merit criteria responses
• Benefit-cost analysis (bridge projects only)
• Project schedule and readiness documentation

Applicants must also:

• Be registered in SAM.gov
• Provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• Use FHWA application templates and tools

Expenditure Timeframes

• BIP funds are available for obligation for four years
• After obligation
   
  • Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) funds:
     
    • Must be expended within five years
  • Highway Trust Fund (HTF) funds:
     
    • Available until expended