Bridge Information

With 25,000 state owned bridges, Pennsylvania has the third-largest number of bridges in the nation, but we lead the nation in the number of bridges classified as “structurally deficient.” The average age of bridges on the state system is over 50 years old.

Being rated structurally deficient does not mean that a bridge is unsafe; rather it means that it has deterioration to one or more of its major components. Although deterioration is present, a structurally deficient bridge is safe. Safety is our number one priority and if a bridge is found to be unsafe, it's closed. If a bridge can only carry certain loads, it's restricted.

As of June 2012, the number was reduced to 4,774 bridges, the lowest since before 1998.

Inspection Facts

PennDOT has an aggressive bridge inspection program that regularly inspects all of Pennsylvania’s bridges at least once every two years. Structurally deficient bridges are inspected more frequently if their condition warrants. We do not hesitate to impose weight restrictions and close bridges if deterioration causes safety concerns.

  • PennDOT Bridge Safety Inspection FAQ'S

  • PennDOT Bridge Inspection Terminology

    2011-2012 Bridge Program

    PennDOT is continuing its commitment to reduce the number of SD bridges. Over the next two years, PennDOT expects to bid contracts to rebuild more than 600 SD bridges

    At the peak, PennDOT had 6,034 SD bridges. In addition to evaluating the 4,774 SD bridges, PennDOT also evaluates the percent of SD Deck Area. Currently PennDOT’s SD deck area is less than 14 percent; the lowest it has been in more than 10 years. To reach the national average of SD bridges, PennDOT needs to reduce the number of SD bridges to approximately 2,700 – this would equate to nearly 400 bridges each year for the next 21 years.

    Bridge Preservation Program

    PennDOT is committed to keeping non-SD bridges in good repair through bridge preservation activities, including painting, deck joint repair or replacement, rigid deck overlays, etc. In the long run, preservation saves money by extending bridge service life, thus deferring the need for major rehabilitation of bridges. In the past four years, PennDOT has invested approximately $570 million to preserve more than 1,700 bridges

  • 25,000 bridges State Routes - Sufficiency/condition ratings

  • 6,400 bridges on Locally owned roads - Sufficiency/condition ratings