Here’s how Pennsylvania’s infrastructure has benefited from some major federal investments

Two signature pieces of legislation from President Joe Biden, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, have provided funding for  $14.8 billion in public infrastructure and clean energy projects throughout the commonwealth.

Orange cones and construction zones are a common sign along Pennsylvania’s highways, roads, and bridges. There are even work areas we encounter at our airports and ports. But did you know that many of these much-needed repairs are being fueled by federal dollars? 

Together, two signature pieces of legislation from President Joe Biden, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (signed into law in November 2021), and the Inflation Reduction Act (signed into law in August 2022), have provided funding for $14.8 billion in public infrastructure and clean energy projects throughout the commonwealth. Specifically, more than $10 billion has been allocated for transportation investments in roads, bridges, public transit, ports, and airports. To see a map of all infrastructure projects taking place in Pennsylvania made possible by the two laws, click here.

In addition, close to $800 million in grants and rebates have accelerated the deployment of clean energy, clean buildings, and clean manufacturing throughout the state.

The commonwealth has benefited in other ways from both laws, including more than $650 million to provide clean water across the state and improve water infrastructure. This includes more than $240 million dedicated to lead pipe and service line replacement. 

The subsequent funding investment in Pennsylvania from both bills has also led to the creation of thousands of new jobs in the state. 

While there are numerous projects going on in every corner of the commonwealth, here are nine big tickets projects being funded in part by federal dollars:

Roosevelt Boulevard Multimodal Project – Philadelphia

Philadelphia received $78 million in federal funding to make major safety improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard. The funding will be used to install new median barriers, realign crosswalks, upgrade traffic signals, and install new transit lanes to make it easier for commuters and pedestrians to travel on the notoriously dangerous stretch of road. The estimated completion date for the project is 2025.

Upper Ohio Navigation Project – Allegheny County

The US Army Corps of Engineers received $77 million in federal funding to expand and replace chambers at three key locks on the Ohio River system, specifically in Allegheny and Beaver counties, to ensure the availability of water for municipal and industrial purposes as well as relieve traffic congestion.

Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project (Southern Section) – Snyder County

The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway received $69 million in federal funding for the construction of six miles of new four-lane limited access highway in Snyder County to connect Selinsgrove to Winfield in an effort to divert traffic away from Shamokin and make local roads safer.

Downtown-Uptown Oakland Bus Rapid Transit – Pittsburgh

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) received $50 million in federal funding to implement public transit service between downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland. In Oakland, the service will branch off in three directions, toward Oakland-East, Highland Park, and Squirrel Hill.

The project includes the purchase of 15 battery-powered articulated electric buses, branded stations, transit signal priority, and charging stations. 

PAAC believes the proposed project will improve travel speed and the reliability of transit service in a heavily congested area.

Philadelphia International Airport – Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation received $30.7 million in federal funding for upgrades to the airport, including restroom renovations, and terminal energy optimization, such as replacing aging air units and installing LED lighting. 

The estimated completion date of the project is 2028.

Reconstruction of Cornwells Heights Station – Bucks County

More than $30.5 million in federal funding will be used to construct a new high-level pedestrian platform at the Cornwells Heights Station in Bucks County. It will also be used to construct a pedestrian overpass with elevators at the SEPTA train station in an effort to improve accessibility and safety for riders.

The project is expected to break ground in early 2026 and be completed by 2028.

Philadelphia Vision Zero Capital Plan Implementation Project – Philadelphia

Philadelphia received $30 million in federal funding for the Vision Zero Capital Plan Implementation Project aimed at improving cyclist and pedestrian safety on city streets. 

The project includes raising medians and pedestrian refuge islands along N. Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue as well as modifying roadways and intersections, improving traffic signals, and implementing speed management measures.

Rapid Transit Red Line Upgrade – Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit received $28.4 million in federal funding for upgrades to four South Hills light rail stations in order to make them compliant with the American with Disabilities Act.

Revitalizing Local Roadways – Philadelphia

Philadelphia received $25 million in federal funding to make improvements along seven high-crash corridors, including improvements to traffic safety, signal modernization, and roadway upgrades.