Infrastructure funding to repair America’s decaying bridges is finally coming. And while $27 billion goes a long way, it’s not enough money to address every bridge in the US. So how best to maximize the funding estimated to cover repairs for about 15,000 bridges?
The animated video from Esri spotlights the most vulnerable bridges in America. Along the way, the video shows 3D renderings of the wide variety of bridges used in the US.
Since it’s infeasible to analyze 600,000 bridges, the map uses a series of filters to find them. Using age, condition, and finally daily traffic, the map whittles down 600,00 bridges to less than 300. Most of these are in the Northeast, although some in historic port cities across the country also show up.
There are likely thousands more bridges in need of retrofitting and maintenance. But the map makes a data-driven case that the 200+ it highlights could be the most important to prioritize.
By the Numbers
Number of bridges that are more than 100 years old, rated in poor condition, and average more than 10,000 daily crossings.
Number of daily trips across the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York, the most in the US among bridges that are more than 100 years old and rated in poor condition.
Percentage of all US bridges rated in good condition.
More to Explore
- Set your own filters and browse the data in an interactive version of this map.
- Learn more about how the animated map was created.
