U.S. infrastructure earns C-minus

Engineers urge action to update old systems

AUSTIN, Texas — America’s infrastructure has scored near-failing grades for its deteriorating roads, public transit and storm water systems due to years of inaction from the federal government, the American Society of Civil Engineers reports. Its overall grade: a C-minus.

In its “Infrastructure Report Card” released Wednesday, the group called for “big and bold” action, estimating it would cost $5.9 trillion over the next decade to bring roads, bridges and airports to a safe and sustainable level. That’s about $2.6 trillion more than what government and the private sector already spend.

“America’s infrastructure is not functioning as it should, and families are losing thousands of dollars a year in disposable income as a result of cities having to fix potholes, people getting stuck in traffic or due to repairs when a water line breaks or the energy grid goes down,” said Greg Diloreto, one of the group’s past presidents.

“It’s critical we take action now,” he said.

During Donald Trump’s four years in the White House, his administration often held “Infrastructure Week” events and touted transportation improvements. But it was not able to push Congress to pass any broad plan to update the nation’s roads and bridges, rails and airports.

The overall C-minus on America’s infrastructure — reflecting “significant deficiencies” — is a slight improvement from its D-plus in 2017. The group cited in part state and local government and private-sector efforts, which have turned to new technology to pinpoint water main leaks and prioritize fixes.

But of the 17 categories making up the overall grade, 11 were in the D range that indicated a “significant deterioration” with a “strong risk of failure.” They included public transit, storm water infrastructure, airports and roads and highways, which make up the biggest chunk of U.S. infrastructure spending at $1.6 trillion, according to the group.

Four areas got C’s: bridges, which dropped from a C-plus to a C in

2021, energy, drinking water and solid waste. Just two areas — ports and rail — scored higher, with a B-minus and B, respectively.

Matt Fritz The Associated Press A pickup crosses the Franklin Street bridge in January in Michigan City, Ind. Local officials have proposed replacing the structure, which was built in the 1930s.