Trucking Laws · Pennsylvania · October 23, 2026

Pennsylvania Bill Would Let County Bridge Money Fix Town Bridges

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Pennsylvania has a bridge fund with money in it, and some local bridges can end up waiting on repairs because of unclear rules.

A bill moving through the state legislature aims to fix that, Land Line reports.

The funding gap

State law sets aside $5 million a year to repair county bridges. The money dates back to Act 89 of 2013, which set aside the funds from the state's Motor License Fund for county bridge work.

But according to Land Line, the rules focus on public bridges that counties are legally responsible for. They do not clearly say whether counties can use that money on bridges owned by towns and cities. Land Line says that confusion "can leave local bridges waiting for repairs while money goes unused."

Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Mechanicsburg, says the bill would give counties more freedom to decide which bridges need repairs. He said the current rules cover county-owned bridges but do not clearly address bridges owned by towns within those counties, so some local bridges may miss out on funding.

What SB205 would do

SB205 would let counties use the state money to repair both county-owned and town-owned bridges.

• The Senate has already approved the bill.
• The House Transportation Committee voted 15-9 to advance it.
• It now awaits action by the full House. If the House approves it, it would go to the governor.

What it would not do

The bill would not add any money to the $5 million annual fund. It would only give counties more options for how to spend it. Land Line also notes the change would not guarantee that every bridge in need gets fixed. The results would depend on local needs and how each county chooses to use the money.

Rothman said safe roads and bridges are a basic duty of government, and that the bill would remove rules that get in the way of needed repairs.

A question for readers

Is there a small-town bridge on your route in Pennsylvania that has been waiting too long for repairs?

Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.