Bridges rated in “poor” condition in the U.S. now number 41,735, down 0.9% year-over-year and make up 6.72% of all bridges vs. 6.80% last year

This year’s Better Roads Bridge Inventory shows that while the total number of bridges has risen since 2023, the number of bridges rated in “good” condition went down.

Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that, as of June 15, 2024, the U.S. has 620,762 bridges, up 0.3% from 619,175 at the same time last year. Data shows 44.20% of those bridges or 274,407 are rated in good condition, down slightly from 44.36% and 274,675 in 2023.

The Federal Highway Administration asks states to rate bridges that are 20 feet or longer as “Good,” “Fair” or “Poor.”

• GOOD – Bridges in this category range from excellent to some minor problems.
• FAIR – Ranging from bridges with structural elements showing some minor deterioration, to bridges in which all primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour; and may include minor erosion on bridge.

• Poor – Advanced corrosion, deterioration, cracking or chipping. Also significant erosion of concrete bridge condition piers.
• Serious – Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. Local failures are possible. Fatigue cracks in steel or shear cracks in concrete may be present.
• Critical – Advanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Fatigue cracks in steel or shear cracks in concrete may be present or scour may have removed substructure support. Unless closely monitored, it may be necessary to close the bridge until corrective action is taken.
• Imminent Failure – Major deterioration or section loss present in critical structural components, or obvious loss present in critical structural components, or obvious vertical or horizontal movement affecting structural stability. Bridge is closed to traffic, but corrective action may be sufficient to put the bridge back in light service.
• Failed condition – Bridge is out of service and beyond corrective action.

States with the lowest percentage of bridges rated good

States with highest percentage of bridges rated fair