Description of the Indicator
This indicator examines the percentage of bridges in poor health and the total number of bridges using data from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory. In 2018, the Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory changed its procedures for bridge evaluation and no longer reports the number of structurally deficient bridges. Instead, bridges are categorized as good, fair, or poor.
Why is it important?
Assessing the number and proportion of bridges in poor health can help evaluate infrastructure maintenance needs to maintain efficient transportation systems. This indicator has the potential to help with long-term planning improvements.
How is the region performing?
There were 363 bridges in Lackawanna County in 2024, a decrease of three from the previous year. From 2022 to 2023, the number of bridges in poor condition decreased by 1.3 percent. Luzerne County added one bridge from 2023 to 2024, reaching 457. The number of bridges in poor condition from 2023 to 2024 increased by 0.4 percent. During the same period, the number of bridges in Wayne County decreased by six. The county experienced a small increase of 0.7 percent in the proportion of bridges in poor health.