The Local Agency Program (LAP) Bridge Unit administers the Local Bridge Program (LBP), which provides financial assistance to local municipalities in Michigan for the replacement, rehabilitation, and maintenance of local bridges. The program is designed to sustain and improve the condition of the local bridge system by utilizing a rolling three-year bridge program funded through state and federal sources. Local municipalities eligible for funding include county road commissions, cities, and villages, as designated under Public Act 51. The program aims to ensure public safety by addressing critical infrastructure needs and maintaining the integrity of Michigan's transportation network​.

The primary objective of the Local Bridge Program is to eliminate closed, seriously deficient, or critical bridges and bring them to a state of good repair. The long-term vision is to achieve zero critical bridges across Michigan. This initiative supports economic development by improving bridge infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable transportation routes. The program collaborates with local agencies and stakeholders to prioritize projects based on bridge conditions and statewide needs​.

Key goals of the program include reducing the number of serious and critical bridges, prioritizing the most urgent projects, leveraging best practices in bridge construction and maintenance, and making efficient use of available construction labor and resources. The program encourages innovation and standardization to maximize value while engaging local stakeholders to support a collaborative and coordinated approach to bridge improvements. Additionally, a lifecycle asset management plan is being developed to optimize long-term investments in the local bridge system​.

Funding is allocated through an annual application process, with applications reviewed by Local Bridge Program staff engineers and seven Regional Bridge Councils (RBCs). These councils evaluate and rate the proposed bridge projects before final selections are made. Successful applicants work with LBP staff to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as the standards established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plays a supporting role in administering the program, including maintaining bridge inventory data, reviewing applications, and overseeing project implementation​.

Eligible projects must be submitted through the annual application process, and funding is awarded based on a combination of technical criteria and discretionary review by the RBCs. The program's funding is primarily directed toward construction costs, and it does not cover preliminary engineering, construction engineering, or right-of-way acquisition. Funding decisions are made based on a weighted allocation formula that considers factors such as total deck area, structurally deficient deck area, and the number of locally owned bridges within each region​.

The Local Bridge Advisory Board (LBAB) oversees the program and provides guidance to the RBCs in evaluating applications and distributing funds. The LBAB consists of eight members: three representing counties, three representing cities and villages, and two non-voting members from MDOT. The RBCs, which operate within MDOT's seven regions, are responsible for developing three-year bridge plans and ensuring that annual funding allocations are effectively utilized. MDOT provides technical support and administrative oversight but does not have decision-making authority in the selection of projects​.

For further details about the Local Bridge Program, interested applicants can contact key program representatives, including Keith Cooper, Bridge Team Leader, at 517-331-1395, or other program specialists responsible for urban and rural bridge projects​.