Interstate Bridge update: seismic resiliency, light‑rail space and tolling previewed for JPACT

Carly Francis, interim program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program, briefed the C4 subcommittee on June 17 on the materials JPACT will review the following day, highlighting seismic resiliency, safety and operations improvements, and planning steps needed to keep federal transit funding options open.

Francis said the replacement bridge will embed space for future light rail, include auxiliary lanes and wider shoulders for safety and bus operations, and carry funding to advance transit design to the levels required for the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant process. "We're focusing in on the seismic resiliency benefits that come out of replacing the structure," she said.

On funding, staff said about $2.1 billion in previously identified federal and state commitments are identified for the program; those funds are considered committed and need obligation steps. Francis said the program is balancing available funds and cost estimates and that an updated cost estimate and specific programming items will be part of the TIP amendment materials to JPACT.

Tolling and diversion: Program staff previewed funding for pre‑market tolling activities (signage, gantries, outreach and back‑office work) and an analysis of toll revenue that lenders use to underwrite borrowing. Elected officials pressed whether tolling I‑205 or the Glenn Jackson Bridge would be used to manage diversion; Francis said there are significant legal and programmatic constraints on tolling other facilities and warned of a revenue ‘‘tipping point’’ if tolls are set so high that they drive large diversion away from the tolled facility.

Francis also noted a small business participation requirement on the first large contract and said the team will evaluate the contractor’s small business participation plan and subcontracting approach.

What happens next: The program is preparing a short deck for JPACT that focuses on the key decisions, programming of committed funds and pre‑tolling costs; staff expect to submit materials to move the project into the next FTA phases after meeting design milestones and continuing interagency coordination.