LAS VEGAS, NV — Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) bridges were recently ranked the nation’s best. (The department had previously occupied the top spot during the past five consecutive years, narrowly missing out on repeating yet again by a fraction of a percent in 2019).

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) just released an analysis of the country’s bridges, based upon the U.S. Department of Transportation’s bridge inventory data. It shows that only 1.3 percent of Nevada’s 2,029 public bridges are structurally deficient, tying with Texas for the top spot, despite 27.5 billion miles traveled across the state in 2019. That compares to the 7.5 percent national average.

The term structurally deficient describes a bridge in need of some rehabilitation or potential replacement. It does not necessarily mean it is unsafe or dangerous. Rather, these bridges are due for corrective measures.

“Our focus is keeping everyone safe and connected on Nevada’s roads and bridges,” said NDOT Director Kristina Swallow. “Federal and state transportation funds are critical to ensuring Nevada bridges are kept up as a part of that safe and connected transportation system.”

The department inspects all bridges statewide, including city and county-maintained structures, every two years, regardless of condition. However, bridges with extensive deterioration are inspected more often. About 475 or about one-quarter of state-owned bridges are over 50 years old or the age when rehabilitation is typically needed to maintain fair condition.