Write Up:

The public has indicated the condition of Missouri’s existing roadway system should be one of the state’s highest priorities. Currently, 893 (26 major) structures are in poor condition, 6,355 (137 major) structures are in fair condition and 3,149 (46 major) structures are in good condition.

The number of structures in poor condition has fluctuated over the last five years and peaked at 922 in 2017.  Over the last two years, the number has trended down to 893.  The number of structures in good condition peaked in 2012 and has been steadily declining since, while the number of structures in fair condition has significantly increased.  The recent decrease in poor condition bridges is reflective of the asset management approach being used on bridges.  The decline in good structures, as well as the increase in fair condition structures, is reflective of MoDOT’s aging bridge inventory with many structures at the point where they need minor maintenance or rehabilitation.

For major bridges, the number of structures in poor condition peaked in 2018 at 27 and has now dropped to 26 for 2019.  Even with the significant investment in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, the number of structures in good condition has been dropping over the last four years while the number in fair condition has been increasing.  Work on major bridges is expensive with rehabilitations costing $10 million to $20 million and replacements ranging from $20 million to $200 million.  Ohio has been selected for comparison as its total of 10,475 (162 major) state highway bridges is only 78 more than Missouri, as well as having similar demographics, geography and weather conditions.

MoDOT’s asset management goal for bridges is to keep the statewide total number of poor bridges at 900 or less and the number of poor major bridges at 20 or less.

Purpose of the Measure:

This measure tracks progress toward improving the condition of Missouri’s bridges.

Measurement and Data Collection:

This measure is updated in July based on MoDOT inspections conducted the prior year. Data is presented for all state bridges and major bridges. Major bridges are those that are 1,000 feet long or longer.  Of the 10,397 bridges on state highways, 209 are considered major bridges.  Bridges are categorized as being in good, fair or poor condition in accordance with criteria established by FHWA. Good means no significant condition-related problems exist. Fair indicates that moderate problems exist that may require minor rehabilitation or maintenance to return the structure to good condition. Poor indicates that more significant problems exist which will require either a major rehabilitation or replacement of the structure.

The target for this measure is set internally and reflects the department’s goal of “holding its own” in terms of bridge condition.