D.C.’s structurally deficient bridges are the busiest in the nation

In the U.S., there are over 100,000 bridges that are at least 65 years old, many of which see tens of thousands of crossings a day, according to Auto Insurance Center. Out of every state in the nation, Washington, D.C. ranks first for the most functionally obsolete bridges.

According to the Auto Insurance Center, who offers data from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, 63.67 percent of the District’s bridges don’t meet contemporary design standards. While these bridges might still be structurally safe, they may not have enough lanes.

Three examples WTOP gives of structurally deficient bridges in the D.C. area include the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Capital Beltway over Central Avenue/Maryland Route 214, and the Virginia Beach bridge where Interstate 264 crosses Lynnhaven Parkway.

Out of any other state, D.C. also has the fewest proposed bridge replacements (0.11 percent). The state with the most proposed bridge replacements is New Hampshire (97.87 percent).

To see Auto Insurance Center’s full report, go here.

• DC area ranks No. 1 for worn out, overworked bridges [WTOP]

• The Dangerous State of American Bridges [Auto Insurance Center]