Tomorrow, Oct. 1, 2026, several major federal transportation programs that received advance appropriations under the bipartisan 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will lose dedicated funding, increasing uncertainty for states and putting critical infrastructure projects at risk of delay.

The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) is urging Congress to restore advance appropriations funding and pass a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization that provides states with the long-term certainty needed to plan and deliver infrastructure projects.

"Federal transportation investments have transformed communities across the country by modernizing infrastructure, improving safety, reducing congestion, and stimulating local economies,” the Transportation Construction Coalition said. “On October 1, the loss of dedicated federal funding for these transportation programs could put critical infrastructure upgrades at risk, making it harder for states to plan the upgrades communities are counting on. This lapse could delay or prevent projects from moving forward, including much-needed investments to repair aging bridges, ease congestion, and improve roadway safety. The clock is ticking for December 11, but the consequences of inaction are already here. Congress must restore this funding and keep these critical projects moving.”

In August, Congress enacted a continuing resolution (C.R.) that extends some federal surface transportation programs through December 11. However, the measure did not extend advance appropriations for Division J programs, which set dedicated federal funding for the Bridge Formula Program, Safe Streets and Roads for All, and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA).

Among the programs no longer supported in the current extension:

• The Bridge Formula Program provides $27.5 billion to help states repair, rehabilitate, and replace bridges. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association reports that more than 220,000 bridges – roughly 35 percent of all U.S. bridges – require major repair work or replacement.

• The Safe Streets and Roads for All program has provided $3.9 billion in federal funding to 2,000+ communities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, saving lives and reducing serious traffic-related injuries.

• The National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA) has made $1.8 billion available to support highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects nationwide.

With advance appropriations lapsing October 1, TCC is urging Congress to restore the funding and enact a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization that gives states and communities the certainty to plan, fund, and deliver critical infrastructure projects.