PITTSBURGH — A national study has confirmed what Pennsylvania officials have been saying for months: The Biden administration's infrastructure plan is a nice boost but isn't nearly enough to address all of the nation's transportation needs.
The 10-page study, released last week by national transportation research nonprofit TRIP, said the new money would provide $454 billion for road, bridge and transit improvements over the next five years. That's a boost of about 38% over the expected allotment for that period, but the report cited a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation last year that estimated the nation needed a 55% increase during that time frame to make significant improvements in road and bridge conditions, reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic safety.
"Additional spending provided by the (infrastructure bill) for highway, bridges and transit improvements are anticipated to have a significant benefit to the economy by stimulating additional output," the study said. "Despite the increase in transportation funding ... the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems remain significantly underfunded and will require increased investment for needed improvements and repairs."
