Limited Funds and Numerous Deficient Off-System Bridges Create Federal Bridge Program Dilemma

GAO conducted a review in four States which have a high percentage of deficient bridges which are off the Federal-aid highway system to suggest how Federal assistance can more effectively address the problem.

GAO found that, despite substantial increases in funding, the off-system bridge program is still severely strained. The average of 1,000 off-system bridges that are replaced or rehabilitated under the program each year is a small accomplishment compared to the 183,000 bridges that are currently deficient and the other bridges that will need replacement in the near future. GAO found that the costs to replace a given off-system bridge can vary considerably depending on its location, who is paying for the replacement, and who makes the decision on its design and construction. Federal, State, and local officials often disagree on the level of funds that should be committed to the replacement or rehabilitation of an off-system bridge. A major reason for these cost differences is the varying standards to which bridges are built. GAO found that local governments build less costly bridges with their own funds because they are more likely to build to local rather than nationwide standards. GAO found that the States which it reviewed do not have procedures to ensure that less costly alternatives available for bridge construction are identified and considered, nor does the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) generally review State decisions for off-system bridges. GAO believes that less costly construction programs deserve greater attention at all levels of government; however, this must be tempered with the need to ensure that safety and the bridge's life are not unduly compromised and long-range costs remain reasonable.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Oliver W. Krueger Team: General Accounting Office: Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division Phone: (202) 275-5514