The project will replace the Milton/Madison Bridge on U.S. 421, a vital link between two economically distressed communities: Milton, Kentucky, and Madison, Indiana.

"Recovery act dollars are creating jobs and delivering projects to meet the needs of communities all around the country," LaHood said in a statement. "The new Milton/Madison bridge will restore full service on a critical link between Kentucky and Indiana, improving the quality of life for area residents."

Current weight restrictions on the span have limited freight movement on the U.S. 421 corridor. Originally constructed in 1929, the existing bridge is in poor condition and is outdated by today's standards, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. An estimated 10,700 vehicles cross the bridge each day, and its serviceable life is estimated to be less than 10 years.

Recovery act funds will go toward a $104 million contract for the construction of the new bridge and the rehabilitation of existing piers. The contractor will use innovative methods to construct the new bridge on temporary piers and then slide the entire bridge into place on the rehabilitated piers. This approach will reduce the time the bridge needs to be closed for construction to less than a month.