PennDOT lists deteriorating bridges

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 24 May 2007) - A website lists some 800 deteriorated Pennsylvania bridges.

The list can be found at RideOnPA.org, which is a site the Rendell administration is using to make the point that the commonwealth's roads and bridges need more help than current funding can
provide.

Some of these bridges are closed. Others are still safe but are now posted with weight limits.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Chizmar says this information was available from the agency before -- "but it was really - it was kind of convoluted. There was more information out there than what was really necessary. So what this really is is an attempt to put all the information in one place where viewers can go take a look at this and go take a look at the critical challenges facing transportation in Pennsylvania."

Governor Rendell is considering privatizing the Turnpike to close what he says is a $900 million annual shortfall in funding for roads and bridges.

A consulting firm recently told the administration leasing the toll road could generate enough revenue to meet needs for both road repairs and mass transit - but many legislators are skeptical about the plan.