The American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s recently-released analysis of 2018 U.S. Department of Transportation bridge inventory data shows only 1.4 percent of Nevada’s nearly 2,000 public bridges being structurally deficient. Compared to the 7.6 percent national average, it is the nation’s second-best ranking, with Texas ranked as top.
The term structurally deficient bridge is used to describe bridges in need of rehabilitation or potential replacement. Structurally deficient bridges are not necessarily unsafe or dangerous. Rather, these bridges become a priority for corrective measures and may be posted to restrict the weight of vehicles using them.
Nevada’s bridges were ranked the nation’s best for the previous five years.
NDOT inspects the majority of bridges, including city and county-maintained structures, every two years. Bridges with more extensive deterioration are inspected more often, while select newer bridges are inspected every four years.
“Our focus is keeping everyone safe and connected on Nevada’s roads and bridges,” NDOT Director Kristina L. Swallow said. “Federal and state transportation funds are a vital investment to ensure Nevada bridges are kept up as a part of that safe and connected transportation system.”
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NDOT dedicated approximately $12 million in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to bridge preservation. Nearly 481 of Nevada’s state-owned bridges are more than 50 years of age, an age when rehabilitation is often necessary to keep the structure in fair condition.
