RI Has Most Deficient Bridges in the U.S.

RI Has Most Deficient Bridges in the U.S.

Rhode Island has the most deficient bridges in the country with 15% of bridges being deficient, according to the latest TRIP report. The state also has the 4th most congested interstates in the country at 63% as well as the 4th highest rate of vehicle per lane  mile at 15,281. 

“The TRIP report underscores the urgency with which we must address our transportation problems here in Rhode Island. Although Interstate highway congestion, particularly in the greater Providence area, is at one of the highest levels anywhere in the country, it’s the long-term safety of our roads and bridges that is of greatest concern to AAA.  Hopefully, new highway funding sources identified earlier this year will go a long way to improving safety and enhancing mobility for all Rhode Islanders,” said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast’s senior vice president of public and government affairs.

See the Chart Below for the Top Ten Rankings 

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Travel Nationally 

In 2015, vehicle miles of trade on the interstate highway system was 4% higher than in 2014 and through the first 3 months of 2016 travel was 5% higher than during the first 3 months of 2015. 

Since 2000, travel on the interstate system has increased two times faster than new lane capacity can be added. This results in 43% of Urban Interstate highways to be congested during peak hours and and the averaged annual amount of travel per interstate lane mile increased by 11 percent from 2000 to 2014. 

Improvements 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the estimated cost of needed improvements is $189 billion. By 2020, the annual shortfall into the countries Highway Trust Fund will be $16 billion  annually. 

“The United States moves in large part thanks to the efforts of many elected officials, organizations and citizens whose shared foresight led to the construction of the national interstate system. Now, as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Interstate act, it’s clear that our investments in preserving the system are not keeping up even as our nation continues to grow,” said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Across the country, 12% of interstate highways are in poor or mediocre condition, 3% of U.S. interstate bridges are structurally deficient and an additional 18 percent are obsolete.