The latest annual bridge report from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association has shed light on the critical state of the nation’s bridges. According to the report, one-third of bridges in the U.S. are in dire need of repairs or replacements. This amounts to nearly 221,800 bridges that require major work to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation network.
Despite the daunting task at hand, there have been ongoing state efforts to address the issue. The number of bridges in poor condition has seen a slight decrease, from 42,391 in 2023 to 42,067 in 2024. This can be attributed to the federal infrastructure dollars that have been allocated to states for bridge repair and replacement.
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has played a critical role in providing much-needed funds for bridge projects. With $27.5 billion in formula funds and an additional $12.5 billion in grants, states have been able to make significant strides in addressing the repair backlog. The report found that states have already committed a substantial amount of these funds to over 4,170 bridge projects, with more funding on the way in the coming years.
The cost of addressing the nation’s bridge repair needs is substantial. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that spending on bridge repair must increase to $22.7 billion annually, up from the current $14.4 billion. The total cost of making all needed repairs is projected to be around $400 billion. While these numbers may seem overwhelming, progress has been made over the last five years. The number of bridges in fair condition has increased, while the number of poor bridges has decreased.
Some states, such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri, still have a large number of poor bridges that need attention. Recent bridge collapses in Baltimore and Pittsburgh have underscored the importance of addressing the deteriorating infrastructure. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for action.
While there are still many challenges ahead, progress is being made in improving the state of U.S. bridges. Federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have been instrumental in supporting states’ efforts to repair and replace aging infrastructure. It is crucial that continued investment is made in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation’s transportation network for years to come.