Number of Structurally Deficient Bridges

Goal
To have near zero structurally deficient bridges in Oklahoma by 2020

Progress

This annualized graph reports the number of structurally deficient bridges counted among the 6,812 bridges that exist on the highway system (including the interstate highway system, the U.S. numbered highway system and the state numbered highway system). It catalogs the number of structurally deficient bridges that are identified during the required bridge inspection cycle, using 2001 as a reference point. In simple terms, a structurally deficient bridge is a bridge that can no longer carry the load it was designed to support or a bridge that was not originally designed to support the loads being carried.

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Structurally sound bridges are vital to the safety of Oklahomans and our visitors. At the national level, bridge inspections are required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for all bridges greater than 20 feet in length on all public roads. The inspections are performed in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the results are reported to the FHWA annually.

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The graph indicates a favorable trend beginning in 2005 and extending through the most recently reported data in 2011. Oklahoma's elected leaders have made maintaining infrastructure a priority, allowing the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to direct more resources to this effort.

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In recent years, the governor and Legislature have provided increased state funds for transportation infrastructure. In turn, ODOT is implementing an investment strategy that focuses on Oklahoma's most critical infrastructure problems. Resulting improvements are reflected in this measure.

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