Why do big states often look worse in bridge comparisons?

Raw counts primarily reflect inventory size. Percentage measures aid comparison, but bridge mix and inspection timing still differ.

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Compare two states

Q: What is Poor bridge condition?

Poor means the lowest applicable major-component rating is 4 or below on the 0–9 NBI scale. It is a condition category, not a live closure decision.

Choose any two states to compare Good and Poor condition shares and inventory size from the federal NBI.

Compiled by PlainBridges, Independent data publisher

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 575,000 public highway bridges are catalogued in the National Bridge Inventory. Inspection intervals are risk-based under current NBIS rules, while agencies submit inventory data annually. This tool compares any two states on percentage measures derived from the 2024 release. Read how the figures are derived in our methodology.

First state

Second state

Texas vs California

Measure	TX	CA	Better
Total bridges	56,740	27,040	Texas
Good condition	41.9%	32.5%	Texas
Poor condition	1.13%	4.60%	Texas

This table highlights lower Poor-condition share and higher Good-condition share. It does not rank live safety or agency performance. Source: FHWA National Bridge Inventory, 2024 release.

All Texas bridges → All California bridges →

How should I read a state comparison?

Why do big states often look worse?

Raw counts primarily reflect inventory size. Percentage measures make state inventories easier to compare, but differences in bridge type, ownership, age, environment, and inspection timing still matter.

What is Poor condition?

The lowest applicable major-component rating is 4 or below on the 0–9 NBI scale. It is a condition category, not a closure order. FHWA retired “Structurally Deficient” as a reported status beginning with the 2018 archive. Read more →

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Look up a single bridge Decode a condition rating State condition rankings Largest state inventories Browse every state Data methodology

Every figure on PlainBridge is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.