Transportation: Percent of bridges and highways in fair or better condition
What does this measure?
- State bridges are in fair or better condition. Bridge ratings are based on the structural sufficiency standards established by the Federal Highway Administration. A 'Good' rating represents a range from no problems to some minor deterioration of structural elements.
- State highway pavement is in fair or better condition. Pavement is classified as being in good condition, if it is smooth and has few defects. Estimates are from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Pavement Condition Survey.
Why is it important?
- Maintaining state bridges in safe, sound and usable condition is a high priority. The Federal Emergency Management Agency determined in 2001 that Washington has the second highest risk for economic loss in the nation due to earthquakes.
- State highways are a critical part of Washington's transportation infrastructure. Maintaining and preserving highway pavement is important to ensure ongoing usability and safety.
How is Washington doing?
- In 2007, 97 percent of state-owned bridges were rated in good or fair structural condition. Of the three percent of state bridges rated in poor structural condition, none were unsafe for public travel based on federal standards though some are subject to weight restrictions.
- The state's record in maintaining highway pavement is strong - the majority is in good or better condition. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans pavement preservation on the principle of lowest life-cycle cost. If replacement is done too early, pavement life is wasted. If it done too late, costs increase. As of 2006, 93.5 percent of state highway lane miles were in fair or better condition.
What is state government’s role?
- WSDOT manages more than 3,500 bridges and related structures.
- The cost of highway construction materials has risen substantially in recent years. WSDOT is looking for ways to maximize pavement life and hold down the rising cost of rehabilitation.
Graph & Data Set
| Bridges | State-owned highways | |
|---|---|---|
2002 |
97% |
91% |
2003 |
97% |
90% |
2004 |
97% |
90% |
2005 |
98% |
94% |
2006 |
98% |
94% |
2007 |
97% |
96% |
For more information…
Contact: Department of Transportation - Gray Notebook