Three Key Facts:
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- $500 million in federal funding from the Biden infrastructure law is dedicated to replacing the 64-year-old I-83 South Bridge in Harrisburg.
- The project aims to improve safety and reduce traffic delays, with an estimated 117 fewer crashes per year and smoother traffic flow for over 125,000 daily commuters.
- Federal funding eliminates the need for tolls, easing the financial burden on local drivers.
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After years of delays, Harrisburg’s I-83 John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge is set to be replaced with the help of a $500 million federal grant. The 64-year-old bridge, which falls short of modern safety standards, has been partially closed multiple times recently for repairs.
“I-83 is a vital artery connecting communities on both sides of the river,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This is the largest federal grant for a single transportation project in Pennsylvania history—a huge investment in our community and Commonwealth.”
The bridge currently carries over 125,000 vehicles daily, with trucks making up 15% of the traffic. The project’s total cost is estimated at over $1 billion, and it is expected to take six to eight years to complete.
The grant was a game changer for officials struggling to pay for a replacement bridge. Former Gov. Tom Wolf planned to fund the project through tolls, but scrapped the idea in 2022 after a court ruling, but the federal grant made it possible to move forward.
Investing in Harrisburg’s Infrastructure
Built in 1960 and widened in 1982, the aging bridge has faced structural issues and weight restrictions, requiring increased maintenance. Traffic bottlenecks during peak hours raised safety concerns and caused significant delays. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for replacement, noting, “It’s in poor condition and creates bottlenecks that make drivers less safe.”
The new bridge is expected to prevent 117 crashes annually and save automobile drivers 538 million hours and truck drivers 66 million hours over the bridge’s lifetime.
A New, Safer Bridge
Construction is set to begin in 2026 and is projected to take two to three years, according to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. He assured that I-83 traffic would not be impacted during construction. The new bridge will be wider, with improved on- and off-ramps, and the project will also include upgrades in Lemoyne, replacing the South 3rd Street bridge and reconfiguring the interchange.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Officials anticipate the project will create hundreds of jobs for local tradespeople during construction. Once completed, the bridge will enable faster, more reliable transport of goods through central Pennsylvania, helping to reduce consumer costs over time.
