TxDOT releases list of 'structurally deficient' bridges

According to the report, 4 percent of Texas bridges are listed as structurally deficient, which is below the nationwide average of 12 percent from last year. TxDOT officials described their program to inspect and update the state's 50,000 bridges as "aggressive," pointing to figures that show a 31 percent reduction in the number of structurally deficient bridges in Texas since 2002.

Among the bridges listed as structurally deficient, 445 are on the state highway system and 1,579 are off-system. Nearly 300 bridges classified as structurally deficient are under contract for rehabilitation or replacement. More than 1,300 others are under development as part of the state's Unified Transportation Plan. The remaining 439 bridges currently are not on a schedule for repairs or replacement.

TxDOT officials say that as the state's transportation system ages, demand increases. In June, the transportation agency noted that more than $6 billion previously dedicated for new construction would have to be transferred for routine maintenance to ensure the safety and quality of the highway system over the next five years.

To view the TxDOT document, click here.