U.S. has 230,000 bridges that need major repairs or replacement, new report says
The United States has some 230,000 bridges collectively stretching 6,300 miles that need to either be replaced or undergo major repairs, according to a new analysis of federal data by a trade group for road builders. The group estimates the cost of the job at $164 billion.
The findings, issued Monday by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, highlighted the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge connecting Virginia and the District as one of 46,000 deemed “structurally deficient,” the worst rating.
The report once again underscores the aging nature of much of the nation’s road infrastructure as Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to reauthorize the federal highway funding program. Lawmakers and interest groups have their eye on a building package tied to that program as one way to boost the economy once it begins to recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Economic recovery from coronavirus begins with strategic road and bridge improvements,” ARTBA president Dave Bauer said. “Increased transportation investments support direct job creation and retention, while putting in place capital assets that will enhance U.S. productivity for decades to come.”
The issue briefly received new attention when Trump tweeted last month that he would like to see a $2 trillion spending package to help with the recovery from the coronavirus. House Democrats quickly branded an existing $760 billion program they have been working on as fitting the bill, only for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to back away for the time being in the face of Republican resistance.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-has-230000-bridges-that-need-major-repairs-or-replacement-new-report-says/ar-BB12zIr2?li=BBnb7Kz
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