DOT 118-10
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel: 202-366-0660

USDOT Gives Green Light on Milton-Madison Bridge Replacement
Project Awarded TIGER Grant in February 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation gave the go-ahead to begin construction to replace the Milton-Madison Bridge (US 421) after it finalized an agreement on a $20 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) grant awarded earlier this year. The bridge is a vital link between two economically distressed communities - Milton, Kentucky and Madison, Indiana. If taken out of service, it would create tremendous hardships for residents on both sides of the river in detours and increased commuting costs.

"Recovery Act dollars are helping the communities of Milton and Madison, as they are helping communities all over America," said Secretary LaHood. "Replacing the Milton-Madison Bridge will create jobs, bring these communities closer together and make them better places in which to live."

The $20 million grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program, included in the Recovery Act, to promote innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that provide significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.

Recovery Act funds will go toward the total replacement cost of the Milton-Madison Bridge. Total replacement is estimated at $129.6 million. The U.S. Department of Transportation signed the grant agreement today with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transportation.

"Replacing this bridge has been a top priority," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. "Recovery Act funds will help us tackle transportation challenges that are unique and require dedicated attention."

Originally constructed in 1929, the existing Milton-Madison Bridge is in poor condition and is outdated by today's standards. An estimated 10,700 vehicles cross the bridge each day, and its serviceable life is estimated to be less than 10 years.

The new project adds bicycle and pedestrian access between the two communities to provide alternative forms of transportation.

The Department announced the selection of $1.5 billion worth of TIGER grants for 51 projects as part of the one-year anniversary of ARRA on February 17.

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