The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act would provide funding to improve the safety of structurally deficient highway bridges.  As of December 2007, 122 Iowa bridges were designated as structurally deficient and thus eligible for funding under this legislation.

The National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act passed the House today by a vote of 367-55. 

"As Iowa begins to rebuild flood-damaged roads and bridges, we must ensure that our infrastructure is safe now and in the future," Braley said.  "My pilot program would encourage the use of state-of-the-art technology to monitor highway bridges by proving accurate, real-time data.  This cost-effective technology would ensure safe driving conditions and keep Iowa's roads and bridges safe."

Braley originally proposed language to establish a pilot program last March.  Braley wrote to House Transportation Committee Chairman Oberstar requesting that language for a structural monitoring pilot program be included in the National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act.