Citation

Pelosi R. Am. City Cty. 2003; 118(10): 26-31.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

A great many of America's 300,000+ local bridges are structurally unsound and sorely in need of rehabilitation or replacement. These bridges are often too narrow for today's thicker traffic, too light for today's heavier trucks, or are shedding concrete, showing cracks, or sitting on shaky piers weakened by storm-induced soil erosion. However, the overall status of U.S. bridges seems to be improving due to new preventative maintenance efforts being mounted by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This article discusses the status of local bridges in the U.S. and efforts by the FHWA to work more closely with state entities to ensure that local bridges receive funds for repair.