Texas Infrastructure Gets a ‘C’

The American Society of Civil Engineers rates states in 16 categories related to transportation, water, waste management, parks, and more.

1 minute read

February 25, 2025, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Pennybacker Bridge in Austin, Texas. Bridge over river with orange arches and downtown Austin visible in far background.

Less than 2 percent of Texas bridges are listed in poor condition, the third lowest rate in the nation, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. | Raymond / Adobe Stock

A report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) rates much of Texas’s infrastructure as ‘mediocre’ or ‘poor.’ The 2025 report includes assessments of 16 categories including the newly added broadband, hazardous waste, ports, and rail.

According to an article for KSAT by Mason Hickok, “Of the sixteen categories, Texas received an overall grade of C, with 14 of the categories reflecting C+/- and D+/- grades.” The national average is a C-. Categories that received D grades in Texas are broadband, dams, drinking water, transit, levees, and wastewater. Aviation and bridges received B and B- grades, respectively.

“ASCE believes the stressors have been ‘balanced out’ by investments at the federal level coupled with state and local measures,” but federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could now be in jeopardy.

The report concludes with some recommendations: continued investment in infrastructure, “sound policy and standards that ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability for projects,” reviews and modernization of engineering standards, and asset management and planning.

Monday, February 24, 2025 in KSAT

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Cars parked and plugged in at an EV charging lot in Santa Monica, California surrounded by palm trees.

EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California

Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.

March 28 - Inside EVs

Construction workers on a suspended platform are installing thermal insulation on the facade of a modern apartment building, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss during cold weather.

Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks

HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.

March 28 - Bloomberg CityLab

Sign above entrance of United States Department of Transportation.

Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?

USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.

March 28 - Streetsblog USA