Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Bridge Inspection Program and the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program and found that almost 4 out of every 10 bridges in the United States are deficient, and almost one-fifth of U.S. bridges are structurally weak or unsound and must be closed, restricted to lighter vehicles, or immediately rehabilitated to prevent further deterioration or collapse. The Federal Government has become the major source of funds, particularly through the Federal bridge programs, to replace or rehabilitate deficient bridges, and many State and local governments depend heavily on these funds. Under the bridge programs, the Federal Government contributes up to 80 percent of replacement or rehabilitation costs, and State and/or local governments provide the rest.

At current funding levels, it will take years to eliminate the deficient bridges already identified. In view of the size of the bridge problem and the limited amount of funds available, it is essential that program funds be used for bridges most in need. However, GAO found that: (1) the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) project eligibility criteria do not concentrate on bridges in the worst condition and most in need; (2) many worthy projects are funded, but bridges most in need are not always selected; and (3) funds have been apportioned to the States based on incomplete needs data. The major aspect of the National Bridge Inspection Program is that State and/or local governments maintain a bridge inventory and comply with inspection standards. GAO found that State and local governments have made progress since the program's start, but they are not fully complying with the standards. For example: (1) some inspectors do not meet the minimum qualifications for training and experience; (2) some State and local governments are not inspecting their bridges at least every 2 years as required by the standards, and some local governments are not inspecting their bridges at all; (3) the initial inventory and inspection of bridges, particularly bridges off the Federal-aid highway system, has not been completed; and (4) structurally weak bridges are not always being properly closed or posted for lower weight limits to protect against bridge collapses. Even if bridges are properly posted or closed, the postings and closings are often ignored by the public.