PROTECT Grant: Bells Mill and Valley Green Bridges

PROJECT SUMMARY: In Spring 2024, the City of Philadelphia was awarded $14.2 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) discretionary grant program to rehabilitate the Bells Mill Road and Valley Green Road bridges over Wissahickon Creek in northwest Philadelphia. The two bridges were built in the 1800s, are nearing the end of their useful lives, and are in deteriorating condition from water damage. Design and construction is planned to take four years. The bridge improvements will also include wetlands restoration.

The Bells Mill Road and Valley Green Road bridges were built in 1820 and 1832, respectively, and are both rated in poor condition. Underwater bridge elements are wearing from erosion and exposing the bridge to flooding-related damages. Reconstruction is needed to prevent structural failure during extreme weather or flooding.

The Bells Mill Road Bridge is a key connection between the busy Ridge Avenue and Germantown Avenue corridors, and the only direct link between Philadelphia’s Roxborough and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods. The Valley Green Road Bridge is along one the city's most scenic paths and is more actively used for recreational walking and biking. Both bridges link neighbors to the Wissahickon Valley Park, one of Philadelphia’s most noteworthy natural destinations.

TEAM: City of Philadelphia Streets Department and Office of Transportation Infrastructure Systems

ROLE: I led a team of transportation planners and grants management specialists in securing the $14.2 million FHWA grant award. In this role I managed team pre-award tasks, drafted the project budget and schedule, and edited written application materials. Additionally, I coordinated with structural engineers on project scoping and Streets Department leadership on grants pursuit strategy and decision-making.

TOOLS USED: Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharePoint; USDOT ETC Explorer

Photo Credit: Harrison Keely, Creative Commons