The University of Kansas has been chosen by the Federal Highway Administration for research on some of the root problems impacting aging bridges across the country. It is anticipated that the $500,000 research grant will lead to new insights for use on bridge upkeep and repair as infrastructure improvement projects get underway.
220,000 Bridges To Repair
Across the country, bridges—and the people driving on them—await repair. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association estimates that 220,000 require improvement. Fortunately, only 79,500 need to be replaced! Each day, 171.5 million vehicles cross over “structurally deficient” bridges and the collapse of Pittsburgh’s Fern Hollow Bridge earlier this year drew national attention to the infrastructure imperative.
With builders eager for new intel on how to avoid span failure, experts in civil, environmental and architectural engineering from the University of Kansas will be researching several issues that are key to warding off tragedy. As Construction Dive reports, one of the studies involves constraint-induced fractures “which occur when a structure can’t adapt or ‘deform’ to stress. This type of fracture can bring down bridges.” Another study will “assess the effectiveness of ultra-high toughness (UHT) steel in bridge columns and beams to improve structural reliability.” Project leads point out that steel-making capabilities have improved since many older bridges were built, and are optimistic that the new research will help builders make the best use of current possibilities, solve root problems and save money too.
With critical public projects getting underway across the country— builders are leveraging The Partnership Account for Contractors® from Colonial Surety. Here’s why: as a direct underwriter of bonds based on the strength of financial statements, we give builders power of attorney to issue their own bid bonds. Plus, we provide a rich array of complimentary services, including: direct access to performance and payment bonds on a customized dashboard; real time tracking of bids and work on hand—and immediate access to Colonial’s lead underwriter as new opportunities emerge.
Speed and service? It’s true. Complete the brief pre-qualification for your written surety-line of credit and The Partnership Account® services today—and receive, for free, Dun & Bradstreet scores. Pre-Qualify and Get Free Scores Here.
Good News for New York?
Hmm! Patch reports that there are 17,555 bridges in New York State—but only 17,549 are awaiting repair, which would cost $33.4 billion! As budget priorities take shape, the bridges classified as structurally deficient are topping the list. Given the traffic volume, there is optimism afloat that federal infrastructure dollars will support the repair of bridges on the BQE and Cross Bronx Expressway.
In total, $26.5 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is earmarked for fixing bridges across the country. Get up to speed on the 375 programs included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with The White House’s “one-stop-shop” Guidebook. This resource breaks down how funds can be accessed and provides links to resources and contacts for further information and technical assistance.
What Are We Waiting For?
Across the country, contractors are gearing up for public contracts by leveraging The Partnership Account® from Colonial Surety. In addition to a surety line of credit—in writing, The Partnership Account® gives qualified construction companies:
- Control of bidding and bonding, online and in real time.
- Powers of attorney to seal and issue their own bid bonds—in minutes.
- Fast, direct, confidential bid bonds—no middleman.
- Direct access to performance and payment bonds on a customized dashboard.
- Real time tracking of bids and work on hand.
- Immediate access to Colonial’s lead underwriter as new opportunities emerge.
- A private Owner’s Dashboard to view surety lines, adjust work and analyze bids.
Learn more and pre-qualify for a Partnership Account® now!
Founded in 1930, Colonial Surety Company is a leading direct seller and writer of surety bonds and insurance products across the USA. Colonial is rated “A Excellent” by A.M. Best Company and U.S. Treasury listed.