2 • SEPTEMBER 2023 THE NATION Thetrucker.com FOR THOSE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL LIFE, INSURANCE THAT’S MADE FOR YOU. Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. Coverage provided and serviced by affiliated and third-party insurers. Choose customizable coverage options that work for you and your wallet—and keep your truck and business rolling. Visit ProgressiveCommercial.com or call your local agent.
Thetrucker.com THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2023 • 3 36% of US bridges require major repairs or replacement, report says THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON — Motorists in the U.S. cross the nation’s 617,000 bridges an average of 167 million times each day, according to a report released by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Of those 617,000 bridges, 36% — that’s about 222,000 structures — need major repair work or should be replaced, ARTBA says. That’s one out of every three bridges. These statements are based on the group’s analysis of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) 2023 National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database. If placed end to end, these bridges would stretch more than 6,100 miles. Traveling at a speed of 55 mph, nonstop, it would take a driver more than 110 hours — more than 4.5 days — to cross, according to Alison Premo Black, chief economist for ARTBA. Black, who conducted the analysis, calculates the cost of making all needed repairs to the nation’s bridges at more than $319 billion. States currently have access to $10.6 billion from the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) bridge formula funds, which could help make needed repairs, with another $15.9 billion to be available in the next three years. As the end of fiscal year 2023 approaches on Sept. 30, states have committed $3.2 billion (30%) of available bridge formula funds to 2,060 different bridge projects, with $7.4 billion still coming. Eight states have committed more than two-thirds of their available bridge formula funds: Idaho (100%), Georgia (100%), Alabama (97%), Arizona (88%), Indiana (81.5%), Florida (80%), Texas (78%) and Arkansas (68%). “The good news is that states are beginning to employ these new resources to address long-overdue bridge needs,” said Dave Bauer, president and CEO of ARTBA. “The better news is that more improvements are on the way.” As of June 30, ARTBA says, 31 states have committed less than 33% of their available bridge formula funds. States have four years to commit formula bridge program funds for specific projects, giving them additional flexibility to decide when to make investments. In total, $3.2 billion (30%) of the $10.6 billion in available Federal Bridge Formula Funds have been earmarked for 2,060 bridge projects. “Most bridges are inspected every two years, so it takes time for repairs and rehabilitation efforts to show up in the annual federal data,” Black said. “What we do know now from other market indicators is that there are more bridge projects in the pipeline.” According to the USDOT’s 2023 report, Linda Garner-Bunch/The Trucker According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, one out of every three of the nation’s 617,000 bridges is in need of either major repair or replacement. the number of bridges in poor condition declined by 560 compared to 2022. At the current pace, it would take 75 years to repair them all. Over the past five years, the share of bridges in fair condition has continued to grow. In 2023, nearly half of all U.S. bridges (48.9%) were rated in fair condition. ARTBA’s full report, which includes state-by-state rankings, is available at artbabridgereport.org. 8 TRANSFORM YOUR MESS INTO ART. Let us show you the Art of Compliance. Since 1983, Fleetworthy Solutions has specialized in the art of managing regulatory compliance. Whether you need help with your drivers, assets, or fuel tax compliance, our team of subject matter experts and our intelligent compliance platform, CPSuite, can ensure your fleet goes beyond the minimum compliance requirements and help keep our roads safe! VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TO FIND YOUR SOLUTION TODAY fleetworthy.com | 608.230.8200 Subscribe to our newsletter for insights, updates and new releases!
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