Increased Investments, Grants to PennDOT

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), most commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), provides investment in our nation's infrastructure, competitiveness, and communities. Through the act, billions in additional formula funding and discretionary opportunities are being invested in and available for Pennsylvania.

 

Read below to learn about the new investments being made across the Commonwealth. 

In addition to the more than $4 billion in additional highway and bridge funds coming to PennDOT over five years, the department is the recipient of grant funding from the BIL and, as a result, will be partners in making historic investments in Pennsylvania's transportation system. The funding awarded is designed to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of the transportation system PennDOT manages.

To learn more about the new investments being made across the Commonwealth, read highlights of BIL funding PennDOT has been awarded below. 

Awarded ProjectCentral Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project – Southern SectionA Study to Alleviate Congestion and Enhance Community SafetyPittston Pair Bridge Bundle
Amount Awarded$69 M$375 K$19 M
Discretionary Grant TypeMultimodal Project Discretionary Grant – RuralRailroad Crossing Elimination Grant ProgramRebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity
Purpose of GrantFund improvement or expansion of surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant national/regional impact or in rural areasFund highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects to improve the safety and mobility of people and goodsFund capital investments in road, rail, transit and port projects with significant local or regional impact on safety, quality of life, innovation and mobility
Award Announced12/19/20226/5/20236/23/2023
Project DescriptionConstruction of new four-lane limited access highway, connecting US Routes 11/15 near Selinsgrove to US Route 15 near Winfield; will also include interchange and connector within Shamokin Dam to PA Route 61 into SunburyInitiation of crossing elimination study for three at-grade crossings on CSX/SEPTA lines that experience traffic congestion and loading delays in the Philadelphia regionReplacement of the Fort Jenkin and Water Street Bridges, including on-street bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements; will also include modernization of seven adjacent intersections

 

Awarded ProjectAdvancing Standardized Open-Data As-Built Information Models for BridgesPennsylvania Wildlife Crossings Strategic Plan and Analytical ToolsExpand Passenger Rail Across Pennsylvania
Amount Awarded$3.91 M$840 KOver $140 M
Discretionary Grant TypeAdvanced Digital Construction Management SystemsWildlife Crossings Pilot ProgramFederal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail and Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID)
Purpose of GrantPromote, implement, deploy, demonstrate, showcase, support and document the application of advanced digital construction management systems, practices, performance and benefitsReduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic speciesFunds capital projects that reduce backlog, improve performance, or expand/establish new intercity passenger rail service and comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program
Award Announced11/202312/202312/2023
Project DescriptionApply the use of an open data standard, eliminating need for expensive proprietary technologies making it difficult to exchange information between design and construction teamsDevelop a comprehensive statewide strategic plan to address the wide-ranging challenges and opportunities associated with the safe management and stewardship for wildlife crossings across PennsylvaniaSupport expansion of passenger rail between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh and study three passenger rail corridors throughout Pennsylvania

 

Awarded ProjectRoosevelt Boulevard Multimodal Project *Reconnecting Our Chinatown: Reclaiming Philadelphia's Vine Street Expressway
(I-676) *
Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration Program
Amount Awarded$78,000,000$1,800,000$700,000
Discretionary Grant TypeMultimodal Project Discretionary GrantReconnecting Communities PilotAccelerated Innovation Deployment
Purpose of GrantFund improvement or expansion of surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant national/regional impactAddress barriers to community connectivity by focusing on removing, retrofitting, mitigating, or replacing facilities that previously cut off communities from economic opportunitiesAccelerate implementation of proven innovations in highway transportation
Award Announced1/5/20232/23/20238/22/2023
Project DescriptionThis funding will help Philadelphia enhance safety, accessibility, and travel time reliability along Roosevelt Boulevard. The efforts include intersection and roadway reconfigurations, median barriers, traffic signal upgrades, corridor access management, complete streets enhancements, and new business access and transit lanes.The project will study ways to reconnect Chinatown across the Vine Street Expressway (I-676), which split the historic neighborhood apart when it was constructed.PennDOT will use Targeted Overlay Pavement Solutions in five Engineering Districts. These solutions enhance overlay performance for both asphalt and concrete pavements, reduce maintenance, extend pavement service life, minimize work zones, increase skid resistance, improve flood resiliency, and reduce noise.

* PennDOT Co-Applicant 

 

Awarded ProjectKeystone Corridor (Pittsburgh to Philadelphia)Scranton to New York Penn Station: Amtrak Passenger Service Corridor *Enhancing Pennsylvania Public Charging Station Reliability and Equity
Amount Awarded$500,000$500,000$5,000,000
Discretionary Grant TypeCorridor IDCorridor IDElectric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator
Purpose of GrantGuide development of new and enhanced intercity passenger rail services to help bolster economic growthGuide development of new and enhanced intercity passenger rail services to help bolster economic growthFocus on repairing or replacing broken/non-operational electric vehicle chargers
Award Announced12/8/202312/8/20231/18/2024
Project DescriptionThe proposed corridor will enhance Amtrak Keystone and Pennsylvanian services between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA. It includes adding frequencies, including at least one additional daily round trip between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, reducing end-to-end travel time, and improving reliability. The corridor sponsor will enter Step 1 to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for their service development plan.The proposed corridor aims to connect Scranton, PA, and New York, NY, with intermediate stops at Stroudsburg and Mt. Pocono, PA, and Blairstown, Dover, Montclair, Morristown, and Newark, NJ. It would provide new service (three daily round trips) on a mostly existing alignment, including a rebuilt abandoned track. The entire alignment for this corridor is under public ownership. The corridor sponsor will enter Step 1 to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for their service development plan.This award will repair or replace broken or non-operational electric vehicle charging ports to improve the reliability of existing charging infrastructure.

* PennDOT Co-Applicant ​

 

Awarded ProjectDemonstration and Deployment - Electric Construction VehiclesInterstate 83 John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge​
Amount Awarded$645,486$500,000,000
Discretionary Grant TypeVehicle Technologies Office Program Wide Funding Opportunity
Bridge Investment Program 
Purpose of GrantResearch projects to address the following priorities: batteries and electrification, combustion and advanced fuels, lightweight materials, energy-efficient mobility systems, and technology integration
Enhance bridge safety, efficiency, and reliability, improve overall bridge conditions in the U.S., and provide financial assistance that leverages non-federal contributions for projects exceeding $100M
Award Announced1/8/2024
7/17/2024
Project DescriptionThe project will advance sustainability in construction operations by successfully demonstrating and deploying electric construction vehicles. The project aims to replace traditional internal combustion engine-powered construction vehicles with clean, electric alternatives, highlighting their efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental benefits.
The project will replace the South Bridge, which currently serves over 125,000 vehicles daily. In addition to the bridge replacement, the project will address critical safety concerns and enhance the bridge's resilience to extreme weather conditions. It will also generate well-paying jobs in the community. Key components of the project include reconfiguring the Lemoyne interchange and reconstructing both the viaduct and the Front Street/2nd Street interchange.

 

Awarded ProjectIntegrating Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Data into Traffic Management Center (TMC) SystemsVehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Data Exchange Vehicle IntegrationProtect the Parkway (I-376) Floodwall Improvement Project
Amount Awarded$759,600$1,784,556$6,669,000
Discretionary Grant TypeAccelerated Innovation Demonstration (AID)Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART)Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT)
Purpose of GrantEncourage the quick adoption and implementation of proven innovative technologies in highway transportationFund demonstration projects that use advanced smart community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safetyHelp build and maintain road, transit, port, and railway infrastructure that can better withstand severe weather events
Award Announced11/01/20243/14/20244/11/2024
Project DescriptionThe project will connect cleaned CAD data from partners like the Pennsylvania State Police and 911 Centers to PennDOT's TMC Operations software. This cleaned data will remove any personal information and details about criminal investigations, allowing TMCs to receive important information directly. By sharing incident details quickly, the project will help different agencies work better together, improve how incidents are managed, and speed up response times.This pilot project leverages V2X Communication, which enables vehicles to interact with each other, infrastructure, and other road users via cellular networks, to deliver real-time curve speed warnings. The goal is to enhance road safety and facilitate the exchange of critical information to improve driving safety and efficiency.The project aims to raise the height of the floodwall protecting I-376 in downtown Pittsburgh from Monongahela River flooding, significantly reducing highway closures, delays, traffic congestion, and the associated risks and costs of flooding, while also increasing safety for travelers and emergency personnel.

​​

Awarded ProjectFY 2024 High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) 
PennDOT Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program
Amount Awarded$1,434,560$31,933,577
Discretionary Grant TypeHigh Priority Activities Program
LCTM
Purpose of GrantFunds to support innovative and impactful projects that advance its mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
Reduce pollution by using low-carbon construction materials and products in transportation projects.
Award Announced9/26/2024
11/14/2024
Project DescriptionAward to fund the following projects:
1. PennDOT ITD Systems Architect and Program Manager
2. PennDOT Program Plan/Top Level Design (PP/TLD) Update
3. Pennsylvania CVIEW Development, Implementation and Maintenance
4. Electronic Screening Site Study and Recommendations​

The program will focus on asphalt mixtures, cement/concrete, and steel and enable PennDOT to promote the use of LCTMs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in construction projects through the adoption of innovative technologies, development of specifications, and monitoring of performance to ensure sustainability and alignment with industry best practices.

 

To see other BIL funding announced and awarded where PennDOT has supported its various partners across Pennsylvania, the Investing In America web page contains an illustrative map with early and preliminary progress.

 

Past Grant Alerts

The Past Grant Alerts section displays federal grant programs no longer accepting applications. Within this section is a valuable resource for learning about various programs that have successfully awarded funding. Using this information, you can learn best practices about eligible and successful applicants and the historic investments being awarded. 

This discretionary grant program was authorized to provide alternative fuels infrastructure grants to eligible entities through two separate grant categories:

1. Community Charging and Fueling Program Grants: Goal is to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure located on public roads or in other publicly accessible locations.

2. Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program): Goal is to strategically deploy charging and alternative fueling infrastructure located along designated alternative fuel corridors.

Learn more in the grant alert (PDF)​. ​

The SS4A provides grants to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users.

See the SS4A Grant Alert (PDF) for details. ​​

This discretionary grant program will directly advance the goal of building a national network of EV chargers for all Americans by supporting EV charging reliability, resiliency, equity, and workforce development. Enhancing and expanding EV infrastructure nationwide will also indirectly contribute to the goal of having 50% of all new light-duty vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Through this grant program funding will be provided for:

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging resiliency planning for continuity of operations and services for all EV users
  • Equitable business model development and deployment for EV charging
  • Workforce development that supports EV charging
  • Increased industrial capacity, competition, and redundancy for validation testing and certification in the United States of Alternating Current (AC) Level 2 and/or Direct Current (DC) fast chargers
  • Assessing performance and reliability of DC fast charging stations.

See the Ride and Drive Electic Grant Program Alert (PDF) for more details.

​The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP) is a competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. The WCPP provides funding for construction and non-construction projects.

​Learn more in the WCPP grant alert​ (PDF). 

This discretionary grant program seeks research projects to address priorities in the following areas: the cost-effective deployment of EV charging for those without easy home charging options; innovative solutions to improve mobility options for underserved communities; community engagement to accelerate clean transportation options in underserved communities; batteries and electrification; materials technologies; mobility system supporting public transportation; advanced vehicle charging solutions, dimethyl ether engine for off-road applications, hydrogen combustion engines, to improve fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions with the goals of carbon pollution free electricity by 2035 and net-zero of GHG emissions by 2050.

See the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Program Wide Funding Opportunity Grant Alert (PDF) for more details. 

This discretionary pilot program provided grants to fund financial, technical, and legal assistance to states and rural and tribal communities to help them evaluate and develop projects that qualify for federal funding and financing programs. 

See Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (PDF) for more details. 

This discretionary grant program was authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the purpose of soliciting applications for three funding opportunities:

  • National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program (Mega)
  • the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects grants program (INFRA)
  • Rural Surface Transportation Grant program (Rural)

See Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant: INFRA, Mega & Rural Grant Programs (PDF) for more details. 

 

The SMART grant program from US DOT aimed to provide grants to eligible entities to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems in a variety of communities to improve transportation efficiency and safety. 

The program funded projects that are focused on using technology interventions to solve real-world challenges and build data and technology capacity and expertise in the public sector.

See the SMART Grant Alert (PDF) for more details. 

The TCP provides grant funding to ensure that disadvantaged communities have the technical tools and organizational capacity to comprehensively plan for and deliver quality infrastructure projects and community development projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive.  The TCP will provide technical assistance, planning and capacity building support to advance transportation and community revitalization.

See the Thriving Communities Program Grant Alert (PDF) for details. 

This discretionary grant program was authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the purpose of deploying, installing and operating advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity and infrastructure return on investment. 

See the ATTAIN Grant Alert (PDF) for more details. ​​

The program provides discretionary grants to advance innovative, integrated, and multimodal solutions for congestion relief in the most congested metropolitan areas. The goals of the Program are to reduce highway congestion, reduce economic and environmental costs associated with that congestion, including transportation emissions, and optimize existing highway capacity and usage of highway and transit systems.

​See the CRP Grant Alert (PDF) for details.​​

Funds for the INFRA, Mega, and Rural funding opportunities provide Federal financial assistance to highway and bridge, intercity passenger rail, railway-highway grade and separation, wildlife crossing, public transportation, marine highway, and freight and multimodal projects, or groups of such projects, of national or regional significance, as well as to projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas.​

See the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant alert​ (PDF) for more details. 

The program provides discretionary grants to eligible entities to plan, design, and construct eligible projects that provide safe and connected active transportation infrastructure in an active transportation network or active transportation spine. 

The Notice of Funding opportunity provides for two different grant categories: (1) Planning and Design Grants and (2) Construction Grants. 

​The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 17, 2024. 

See the ATIIP Grant Alert (PDF)​ for details.​

The SMART grant program aims to provide grants to eligible entities to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems in a variety of communities to improve transportation efficiency and safety. 

The program funds projects that are focused on using technology interventions to solve real-world challenges and build data and technology capacity and expertise in the public sector.

See the SMART Grant Alert (PDF)​ for details.

This discretionary grant program is intended to advance community-centered transportation connection projects, with a priority for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, that improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and to provide technical assistance to further these goals. 

See Reconne​cting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program grant alert​ (PDF) for more details. ​​​