Bridge Deficiencies

Background

Bridges are important investments in an efficient transportation system, increasing access while decreasing travel time. However, bridge funding has not increased despite the needs of aging structures. Closed and weight restricted bridges are more than an inconvenience, they cause longer travel times, which results in wasted time, natural resources and money. Additionally, closed and weight restricted bridges can reduce the timeliness of law enforcement and emergency services. Establishing sustainable transportation funding is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of bridges across the region.

Bridge Deficiency Criteria

MDOT and local agencies collect and regularly update data on bridge structure condition. The data and map below was last updated in late Calendar Year 2023.

Structurally Deficient (SD) Status - A bridge is classified as structurally deficient if the deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert is rated in "poor" condition (0 to 4 on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) rating scale). Also, a bridge can be classified as structurally deficient if its load carrying capacity is significantly below current design standards or if a waterway below frequently overtops the bridge during floods.