WisDOT MAPSS - Preservation - State Bridge Condition - Protecting, maintaining and operating Wisconsin's transportation system efficiently by making sound investments that preserve and extend the life of our infrastructure, while protecting our natural environment.
State Bridge Condition - Protecting, maintaining and operating Wisconsin's transportation system efficiently by making sound investments that preserve and extend the life of our infrastructure, while protecting our natural environment.Well-maintained bridges are the vital link that ensures the overall capacity of our highway system. Our goal is to have 95% of state-owned bridges rated in fair condition or better.
Wisconsin bridges are critical infrastructure assets of the highway transportation network. Inspecting and evaluating bridges is a key component of keeping bridges safe. Bridges with a condition rating of poor are considered deficient and may need corrective action to ensure current and future operation of the transportation system. An accurate understanding of the condition of the inventory of bridges allows for planning and prioritizing limited resources to address operational needs.
WisDOT’s commitment to funding bridge improvement work is reflected in low percentage of bridges in poor condition. Wisconsin puts a high emphasis on maintaining and improving bridges through rehabilitation and replacement. Bridges receive the highest priority in the project selection process. Wisconsin spends additional state money above the federal dollars it receives to maintain bridges.
WisDOT is committed to safely managing state-owned bridges through continuous assessment, repair, and modernization. We continue to train bridge inspectors to support consistent, high-quality inspections that inform asset management decisions. WisDOT is also adopting technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles and sonar equipment to improve inspection efficiency, support staff in the field, and expand access to hard-to-reach areas. These tools help improve inspection documentation and data collection, allowing bridge management software and asset management engineers to better evaluate needs, identify future work, and plan the timing of repairs on state-owned bridges.