Report says 1 in 4 U.S. bridges needs upgrading

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials estimate the cost to repair or replace bridges to be at least $140 billion.

The Associated Press

7/28/2008

PHILADELPHIA — A new report says that federal, state and local governments nationwide must devote a lot more funding to repair and maintain aging bridges, and to develop new designs and materials for building new ones.

The report released Monday by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials says one out of every four U.S. bridges needs to be modernized or repaired. They estimate that cost to be at least $140 billion.

The group recommends that cities consider toll revenues to pay for repairs. The report says that in other places, state and local transportation agencies will have to increase transportation taxes to pay for the required work.