Bridges

Bridges received a C in the ASCE report. About one in four of the nation’s bridges is considered structurally deficient, or functionally obsolete.^[7] These bridges often have weight and speed limits that restrict traffic volumes and may create delays or congestion. While the number of deficient and obsolete rural bridges has been falling, the number of deficient and obsolete bridges is increasing in urban areas. Bridges are typically built to last about 50 years, and the average bridge age in this country is 43 years. The coming years could see great needs in bridge maintenance and repairs from this aging infrastructure.

The ASCE estimates that $17 billion needs to be spent annually to improve bridges, but only $10.5 billion is spent on construction and maintenance. The cost of replacing just one large bridge, New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge across the Hudson River, could total some $15 billion.