The collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday seemed an event beyond the realm of prevention. Struck by a colossal container ship, the bridge’s key support could not withstand the immense force, leading to its downfall. While the bridge was not in pristine condition, having been deemed “fair” by the Federal Highway Administration rather than “good,” this was not the direct cause of its collapse.
This incident has once again cast a spotlight on the condition and capacity of American infrastructure. Following the collapse, President Biden emphasized the urgency of rebuilding the bridge, stating that the federal government would shoulder the substantial costs involved. However, the event also prompted skepticism among some, including a Republican legislator, about the effectiveness of efforts to enhance the nation’s roads and bridges.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) expressed her concerns on Newsmax, questioning the impact of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in 2021, which was designed to address such infrastructure needs. Mace highlighted that only a fraction of the Act’s $1.2 trillion allocation, specifically $110 billion, was directed towards roads and bridges. She pointed out the inadequacy of the funds, noting that even with the additional $1 billion allocated to South Carolina over five years, it would be challenging to construct a single bridge in her district.
Despite voting against the bill, Mace’s comments underscore the vast scale of the challenge. The United States is home to hundreds of thousands of bridges, with more than 300,000 classified as “fair” and 42,000 as “poor” condition in 2023, according to the Federal Highway Administration. While many bridges were rated “good,” the number in “poor” condition, often smaller structures, remains a concern.
The collapse of a bridge in Pittsburgh in January 2022, which had been rated “poor,” further illustrates the pressing need for infrastructure improvement. Fortunately, the bridge was quickly rebuilt, partly funded by the infrastructure bill.
Mace’s interview raises critical questions about the progress in improving bridge conditions across the country. Comparing data from 2020 to 2023 reveals that while the number of bridges in “good” condition increased in 11 states and the District of Columbia, those in “poor” condition rose in 37 states. This highlights the ongoing struggle against entropy and deterioration, a significant challenge given the country’s vast infrastructure.
The fluctuation in bridge ratings between 2020 and 2023, with around 43,000 bridges improving and nearly 70,000 deteriorating, underscores the complexity of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. The sheer scale of the issue is daunting, with the 42,000 “poor” condition bridges covering nearly 20 million square meters, equivalent to about 4,900 acres.
This situation presents a dilemma for politicians: whether to invest more now to address infrastructural deficiencies or to deal with the aftermath of disasters. History has shown that the latter often prevails, despite the clear benefits of proactive investment in infrastructure maintenance and improvement.