WisDOT MAPSS - Preservation - Local 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.
Local 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 local bridges are a vital link that ensures the overall capacity of our highway system. Local units of government submit bridge condition data to the department, and WisDOT recommends which bridges are eligible for rehabilitation. Our goal is to have 90% of locally owned or maintained bridges rated in fair condition or better.
Wisconsin’s bridges are critical infrastructure assets of the transportation network. Ensuring the safety for the traveling public is a top priority for the department. Inspecting and evaluating bridges is a key component of meeting this objective. 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. Although local bridges are maintained, repaired or replaced through local direction, there are state programs that provide funding to help offset this expense.
Local bridge conditions are affected by the increasing age of bridges, bridge damage caused by corrosion, vehicle collision and other environmental factors, changing traffic counts, completion of bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects, and funding availability on a state and local level. Decisions on rehabilitating or replacing locally owned bridges are the sole responsibility of the local units of government.
Wisconsin received an additional ~$45M annually in bridge funding through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which WisDOT chose to invest in the local system. It is anticipated that this increased federal funding for local bridges, which includes a 100% federal funding opportunity for off-system local bridges that are selected for award, will have a significant positive impact on this performance measure. WisDOT publishes a list of deficient bridges and regional staff work with counties and local governments to identify and prioritize rehabilitation projects for consideration of funding under the Local Bridge Program. The department has also worked with various state and local partners to implement a change management system to help keep projects on schedule. In addition, the department is continuing to develop tools to aid local governments in estimating costs and prioritizing eligible projects.