WASHINGTON — Large-scale investments aimed at modernizing the country’s mobility networks would help address connectivity concerns exposed during the pandemic, congressional transportation leaders argue as Congress negotiates a big-ticket infrastructure package.

The need to shift back-office employees to remote work only added to the strain on fleets and third-party logistics providers.

New Jersey’s top transportation officer and the former infrastructure guru at the White House are scheduled to headline the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association annual conference next month in Baltimore.

A U.S. Department of Transportation grants program popular with members of Congress would receive $550 million in fiscal 2018 under legislation Senate appropriators easily approved on July 27.