Eleven infrastructure projects across the U.S. will receive a total of almost $1.7 billion as part of the Biden administration’s investment into ongoing construction work.
The National Infrastructure Project Assistance program, commonly referred to as the “Mega” program, has so far provided more than $12 billion in additional funding to 140 U.S. construction projects across multiple sectors, including rail, bridges and ports.
In the latest slate of funding, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the 11 new projects chosen will receive $1.68 billion in assistance, with the largest chunk of the money going towards a rail project in Boston, Massachusetts. Data mapped by Newsweek shows 10 of the developments are for urban areas, despite the fact that 53 percent of the projects awarded under the program so far have been in rural communities.
Arizona Grand Avenue Improvements
Slated to receive over $12 million, the current plans for the Arizona Grand Avenue include creating a new elevated intersection and expanding the sidewalks for pedestrian use. The funding will also help support Phoenix’s bus infrastructure by adding new shelters and stops.
Madera High-Speed Rail Station
One of two projects selected in California was the Madera High-Speed Rail Station, which will connect the area to Fresno and reduce reliance on motor vehicles.
Innovate 680 Program
The Innovate 680 Program is the other California infrastructure project receiving additional funding. With a grant of over $160 million, this is one of the largest projects in this part of the program. It’s designed with the environment in mind; the ramps and express lanes along the highway will reduce emissions and traffic along the busy I-680.
Southwest Mixmaster Interchange Reconstruction
This project, based in Iowa, also focuses on interstate roads. It has received almost $70 million, which will be spent on improving roadway geometry to reduce crashes. The roads that benefit from the changes run through to Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri.
CREATE Project EW2A
One of Illinois’ two investments will improve the city’s rail network, with $209 million being allocated to restore around 14 bridges and viaducts that need to be maintained in order for the system to remain stable.
Interstate 290 Interchange
The other Illinois grant will receive less than half the amount, with just under $100 million ringfenced for signals and drainage along the interstate roads to prevent flooding.
North Station Renovation and Draw 1 Bridge Replacement
As the largest investment from the most recent Mega project list, Massachusetts’ North Station renovation project will receive over $470 million to repair and expand on one of the busiest rail tracks in the country, responsible for carrying 11 million passengers yearly.
Modernizing Brooklyn Marine Terminal
The Brooklyn Marine Terminal in New York is one of the only projects that requires demolition, with several defunct piers set to be torn down so that new pedestrian areas can be built.
10th Avenue Greenway and Safety Project
The other New York project will build a stretch of safe cycling route along the length of Manhattan, with raised crosswalks and curb extensions.
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SouthPort Berth Phase 2
The SouthPort in Philadelphia will be expanded to include 10 new acres, with over $200 million going towards the project. Once completed, it will improve the city’s cargo capabilities.
Washington Bridge Replacement
The Washington Bridge connects the I-195 to Rhode Island, but is in need of resurfacing and restriping, with $220 million being dedicated to the process.
Newsweek contacted the Department of Transportation for more information on the projects, as well as the governors of each state benefiting from the investment for comment.
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