'Alarming' Number Of Nation's Highway Bridges Are Deficient

Continued efforts must be made to renovate and replace the "alarming" number of US highway bridges that are deficient.

1 minute read

July 9, 2003, 10:00 AM PDT

"More than a quarter of all US highway bridges are considered deficient, a high number but a marked improvement after a decade of increased government spending. The number of bridges considered deficient--that need repairs, cannot adequately handle traffic loads, or do not meet safety standards -- declined about 18 percent from 1992 to 2002, from 199,090 to 163,010...." As one researcher states, "In terms of improving the conditions of bridges, it's really falling into Congress' lap, given the tremendous fiscal constraints state and local governments are facing." Some say that the Bush administration's proposal to increase highway and transit funding by 13 percent over the next six years will not be enough to address the "alarming" number of deficient bridges.

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: 28% of US highway bridges deficient

Tuesday, July 8, 2003 in The Boston Globe

Transportation United States

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

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.