U.S. Infrastructure Receives a C- Grade

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave America’s infrastructure a C- grade in its latest report card. While not an impressive mark, the C- grade is actually the highest score the country’s infrastructure has received in 20 years. Previously, it received a D+ in 2017.

The report grade, released every four years, rates every part of America’s infrastructure system including roads, bridges, energy, rail, transit and aviation. Overall, 11 of the 17 categories received a grade in the D range, including transit, which had the worst mark of D-. On the opposite end of the spectrum, rail received the highest grade with a B. Five category grades — aviation, drinking water, energy, inland waterways, and ports — went up, while just one category — bridges — went down. The grading includes several measurements in its methodology, including condition, capacity, safety, and innovation.

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The ASCE estimates that the U.S. will need to invest nearly $2.6 trillion over the next decade to maintain a state of good repair and earn a grade of B. This echoes the sentiments expressed by Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed when he sat with AAA recently. “We do have to have a big infrastructure package,” Reed said. “We’ve been working at it slowly but we do need a bigger, more intense program.”

Failure to properly fund infrastructure improvements will cost the public down the road. According to the ASCE, “By 2039, America’s overdue infrastructure bill will cost the average American household $3,300 a year, or $63 a week.

The ASCE the country’s oldest national civil engineering organization, represents more than 150,000 civil engineers in private practice, government, industry, and academia.

What do you think of the infrastructure in your area? Let us know in the comments below.

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