Galena arch bridge on Interstate 580 between Carson City and Reno. (Photo: AdobeStock)
Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Nevada’s more than 2,000 highway bridges are once again listed among the best in the nation.
That’s according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association annual analysis of all 50 states. According to the 2021 data, just 1.4 percent of Nevada’s public bridges are listed as having structural deficiencies.
That compares with the national average of 7 percent, which gives Nevada the nation’s best ranking in a tie with Texas and Arizona.
Nevada bridges have been ranked among the nation’s best for the past eight years.
The Nevada Department of Transportation has a dedicated bridge inspection and rehabilitation program. NDOT Director Kristina Swallow said the majority of the state’s public bridges are inspected at least every two years, including city- and county-maintained structures. Bridges that are older and experiencing more serious deterioration are inspected more often while select new bridges are inspected every four years.
The term structurally deficient, she said, doesn’t necessarily mean they are unsafe. Instead, it means those bridges are a priority for corrective measures and may have weight limit restrictions on vehicles using them.
More than 500 state-owned bridges are more than 50 years old.
“Bridges are a critical component of our statewide connectivity and safety,” said Swallow. “The NDOTR team works tirelessly to ensure our bridges keep Nevadans safe and connected on our roadway system.”
