An analysis of recently released federal data by the American Road and Bridge Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) shows that approximately 221,000 bridges need major repair or replacement.
With over 42,000 rated in poor condition and classified as structurally deficient, 324 less than in 2023. Bridges in poor condition represent 6.8% of the 2024 U.S. bridge inventory. In 2020, it was at 7.3%.
States with the largest decline of bridges in poor condition are Pennsylvania (down 90), Louisiana (down 87), Florida (down 85), West Virginia (down 74) and California (down 64).
"Over the last five years we have seen significant progress in states like Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Virginia - reducing the number of bridges in poor condition," said ARTBA's Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black, who conducted the analysis. "While improvements can take time, every bridge repair increases the safety and efficiency of our network for the traveling public."
In the first three years of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) states have received $15.9 billion. To date, they have committed 46% ($7.3 billion) of these resources to over 4,000 bridges.
The remaining 54% ($8.5 billion) of released bridge funds will support needed bridge improvements.
ARTBA estimates that it would cost over $400 billion to make all needed repairs to the over 221,000 bridges.
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Source: ARTBA, PR News Wire
