10 U.S. Bridges That Engineers Say Are "Structurally Deficient"

"A bridge failure might sound like something from a blockbuster, but real damage usually creeps in slowly. Across the nation, engineers watch thousands of bridges that remain open, yet are far from their best condition. "Structurally deficient" is not a death sentence, but it signals repairs can no longer wait. These 10 bridges handle massive traffic and are a serious concern nationwide today."

"Brent Spence Bridge, Kentucky-Ohio Credit: Wikimedia Commons This double-decker bridge handles constant commuter and freight movement. It has been listed as functionally obsolete in the federal bridge inventory since the 1990s, with long-standing plans for major rehabilitation or replacement. Presidents have used it as a backdrop for infrastructure speeches, but major upgrades remain a work in progress. Memorial Bridge, Washington, D.C. Credit: Wikimedia Commons"

Thousands of U.S. bridges remain open despite deteriorating condition, with many classified as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Structurally deficient indicates repairs are overdue but does not automatically close a span; routine maintenance and partial overhauls often keep heavily used bridges functioning. Examples include the Brooklyn Bridge carrying over 100,000 vehicles daily, the Brent Spence Bridge long listed as functionally obsolete with delayed major upgrades, and the Memorial Bridge that endured decades of deferred maintenance. Large spans such as the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge have required seismic retrofits and widening to address safety and capacity concerns.

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