Bridge Protection Act

The Bridge Protection Act would create a new framework to evaluate and reduce the risk of vessel collisions for older bridges that cross navigable waters. It defines “covered bridges” as those built before 1996 and would require their owners to orders to perform vessel collision vulnerability assessments using the AASHTO Method II, with results submitted to the Secretary of Transportation. If a bridge’s risk exceeds a defined threshold, the owner must develop and implement a risk reduction plan within one year. Beginning October 1, 2026, owners who fail to develop or implement such a plan would become ineligible for federal grants related to that bridge unless an extension is granted. The bill also would integrate assessment results into the National Bridge Inventory, establish an interdisciplinary DOT safety team to oversee compliance and maintain a vulnerability database, and create a national Bridge Vulnerability Grant Program with up to $500 million authorized for 2026–2030 to fund assessments and physical improvements. The act broadens federal oversight and funding to improve the safety and resilience of aging bridges that interact with navigable waterways.