Abstract
The network of off-system bridges supporting the rural economy has been a concern for a long time. Federal Highway Administration data show that 31.4% of the bridges off the federal aid system qualify for replacement and/or rehabilitation funds, the worst category under the federal bridge program. Although there is some evidence that the quality of these bridges has marginally improved in recent years, the sheer number of deficient bridges in rural areas necessitates major expenses for rural local governments in the future. Study results suggest, however, that local highway officials expect to be able to spend far less than what they believe the system requires. The outcome is that part of the transportation backbone of the rural economy is at risk, and additional sources of revenue and/or alternative means for reinvesting in the bridge network are needed.
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