New Bridge Bill Mandates Certified Contractors and Worker Training to Fight Rust on Federal Projects

The Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2025 is essentially an infrastructure safety upgrade, setting new, mandatory standards for how we protect federally funded bridges from rust and decay. Think of it as requiring a specialized, certified mechanic for a critical engine repair instead of just the nearest general handyman.

This bill introduces two major requirements for any significant bridge construction or repair project receiving federal dollars (Title 23, U.S. Code, and some rail projects under Title 49). First, these projects must now implement a full corrosion management system using recognized industry standards. Second, and most critically, the bill mandates the use of certified contractors and trained workers for specialized tasks like applying protective coatings, preparing surfaces, and removing old, hazardous materials like lead paint. The bill specifically requires that certified contractors must use a “significant number” of workers who have completed qualified training programs (SEC. 2).

The New Standard: Certified Rust Fighters

For anyone in the construction industry, this changes the bidding game. If your company wants to handle the crucial anti-corrosion work—the stuff that keeps the bridge standing for decades—you must now be a “certified contractor,” verified by an industry-recognized third party to meet specific quality standards (AMPP/SSPCQP standards, to be exact). This creates a clear barrier to entry: if you aren't certified, you can't bid on these specialized tasks on federal jobs. While this is great for quality control—meaning safer, longer-lasting bridges for the rest of us—it means uncertified contractors will need to invest in training and certification quickly or lose out on federal contracts.

Expanding the Federal Wallet to Rail

Beyond highway bridges, this Act finally opens the federal purse strings for a vital, often overlooked area: rail bridges. The bill amends existing law (Section 22402(b)(1) of title 49) to make corrosion control work on rail bridges explicitly eligible for federal grant funding (SEC. 3). For states and private rail operators, this is huge. Previously, they might have struggled to use federal grants for this specific type of maintenance. Now, they can apply for money to fix the rust on those rail crossings that crisscross our cities, potentially preventing costly failures and delays down the line.

The Weathering Steel Question

Finally, the bill mandates a deep dive into a specific material: weathering steel. This type of steel is popular because it forms a protective, rust-like layer, but the 2022 collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh highlighted that it’s not foolproof. The Secretary of Transportation must now conduct a study within 18 months on the best ways to inspect and repair weathering steel to prevent corrosion failures (SEC. 4). This study is crucial because it promises to give state and local governments the clear guidance they need to manage these specific bridges, ensuring that this common construction material is used safely and effectively moving forward. It’s about learning from past failures to prevent future ones.