U.S. Infrastructure Gets "D" From ASCE

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released the full findings of its survey on the state of American infrastructure in a 153-page report entitled 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. The ASCE issued grades of "D" for aviation, "C" for bridges, "C-" for rail, "D-" for roads, and "D" for mass transit. The overall grade for infrastructure in the U.S. was a "D". The report card estimates that over the past five years, there has been an infrastructure investment shortfall in the U.S. of $2.2 trillion. Among the report card's other findings:

- American commuters spend 4.2 billion hours per year stuck in traffic, at a cost to the economy of $78 billion (roughly $710 per motorist)

- Poor road conditions cost drivers another $67 billion annually in vehicle repairs and increased operating costs

- One-third of America's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and 45% of major urban highways are congested

- Current spending of $70 billion per year for highway capital improvements is well below the estimated $186 billion needed annually to substantially improve existing conditions

- Over the next five years, the report card estimates road and bridge investment needs at $930 billion, but spending at current levels would only allot $381 billion, leaving a project $549 billion five-year shortfall

The ASCE analysis of Pennsylvania produced some startling, though not unexpected, conclusions. The ASCE report card states that 50% of Pennsylvania's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Roughly 44% of Pennsylvania's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Another 34% of Pennsylvania's major urban highways are congested. Vehicle travel along Pennsylvania highways increased 27% from 1990 to 2007. Pennsylvania currently has $3 billion in backlogged road repairs.

ASCE President Wayne Klotz noted that while the nation's infrastructure problems are significant and very serious to the country's economic health, the crisis is solvable. The report card proposed five key solutions to improve U.S. infrastructure:

- Increase federal leadership in infrastructure to address the crisis

- Promote sustainability and resilience in infrastructure to protect the natural environment and withstand natural and man-made hazards

- Develop national, state, and regional infrastructure plans that complement a national vision and focus on statewide results

- Address the lifecycle costs and ongoing maintenance to meet the needs of current and future users

- Increase and improve infrastructure investment from all stakeholders

The ASCE also recommended reform of the federal highway program to emphasize performance management, cost/benefit analysis, and accountability. To read a copy of the ASCE 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, click here. A link to state-by-state infrastructure grades is also available, beginning with Pennsylvania.