Charleston, W.Va. – According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), West Virginia bridges are among the nation’s worst. Using information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), ARTBA’s analysis shows 37 percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient of functionally obsolete.
With 6,956 bridges in the Mountain State, approximately 2,574 fall under one of these categories. This percentage (37 percent) is the sixth highest in the nation. A map showing all states and what percentage of the bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete is included with this release.
Structurally deficient means that significant load-carrying elements of the bridge are found to be in poor or worse condition due to deterioration and/or damage, or the adequacy of the waterway opening provided by the bridge is determined to be extremely insufficient to the point of causing intolerable traffic interruptions. A deficient bridge, when left open to traffic, typically requires significant maintenance and repair to remain in service.
Functionally obsolete bridges result from changes in traffic demand on the structure. For example, a bridge designed in the 1930s would have shoulder widths in conformance with the design standards of the 1930s. However, design standards may have changed since that time. The difference between the current required shoulder width and the 1930s standard represents a deficiency.
Joe Deneault, chairman of West Virginians for Better Transportation (WVBT), doesn’t foresee the situation improving. “The West Virginia Department of Transportation has reported recently that it needs $150 million to $200 million more a year to handle maintenance and repair work on the state’s road, bridges and highways,” Deneault said. “Clearly, serious attention needs to be given by state leaders regarding the funding levels for West Virginia’s transportation system, including its bridges.”
“WVDOT is doing an excellent job inspecting and identifying the problems with our infrastructure,” said Deneault. “However, the problem facing the agency is that it does not have sufficient resources to address all of the needs.” He noted that the public must decide whether the current situation is acceptable or whether it is willing to support a long-term plan with adequate funding for our state’s transportation needs. “Maintaining safe roads and bridges must be a priority,” Deneault stated.
In response to the recent tragedy involving the Interstate 35-West bridge collapse near Minneapolis, Minn., WVBT is providing data explaining West Virginia’s current infrastructure and what is projected to occur in the near future:
Current Conditions:
- Thirty-seven percent (37%) of West Virginia’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
- The average age of West Virginia’s Interstate bridges is 34 years. Older bridges typically need significant repairs, reconstruction or replacement at approximately 50 years.
- Twenty-seven percent (27%) of West Virginia’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
- West Virginia leads the country in percentage of narrow lanes - 67 percent of its major roads are less than 10 feet wide.
Future Projections:
- Nearly half (46 percent) of the bridges on the state’s interstate highway system will need significant repairs or reconstruction by the year 2026.
- By 2026, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the state’s Interstate highway system will be in need of significant rehabilitation or reconstruction to provide a smooth pavement surface.
- Miles of roads in West Virginia being paved each year has dropped 50 percent during the past five years and additional funding will be needed for this not to worsen more.
- Despite its relatively small size, West Virginia maintains the sixth largest network of state roads in the nation. While the U.S. average is only 20 percent, West Virginia is responsible for 92 percent (36,703 miles) of the public highway mileage in the state.
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West Virginians for Better Transportation is a coalition working to educate West Virginians – and our leaders, in particular – about the importance of maintaining a safe, efficient and modern transportation infrastructure. The coalition is reaching out to a wide spectrum of organizations that rely on and value the importance of a good surface transportation system. The coalition also is spearheading a statewide education campaign, “Keep West Virginia Moving,” designed to generate public awareness of the state transportation system and foster debate about the ability to meet current and future needs. For more information, please go to www.keepwvmoving.org.