America's Failing Infrastructure: A Growing Crisis in Bridges and Roads
America’s infrastructure is the foundation of our daily lives, connecting people to work, services, and communities. From highways to bridges, these systems are essential for the smooth functioning of our economy and society. Yet, despite their importance, much of this infrastructure is deteriorating—and the problem is getting worse.
According to the 2013 Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), nearly 1 in 9 bridges in the U.S. is structurally deficient, with over 70,000 bridges in need of repair or replacement. This isn’t just a minor issue—it’s a national crisis that affects safety, mobility, and economic growth. While there was a one-time boost of funding through the 2009 stimulus package, little has been done since, and no major legislative action seems on the horizon.
Pittsburgh, often called the "City of Bridges," serves as a stark example of this nationwide problem. The region has more than 4,000 bridges, many of which were built decades ago and now show signs of severe wear. In fact, 20% of these bridges are considered structurally deficient. Some, like the Liberty Bridge, date back to 1928—over 90 years old. To prevent accidents, engineers have had to install steel supports to protect vehicles from falling debris.
Andy Herman, a former president of ASCE, points out that Pennsylvania faces one of the worst infrastructure challenges in the country. Every year, one in four bridges in the state is classified as structurally deficient. The financial gap between what is needed and what is available is huge. For example, a 22-mile stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia has 15 such bridges, and fixing them would cost an estimated $7 billion—money the state doesn’t currently have.
In response to this growing challenge, some communities are looking for innovative ways to stretch limited budgets. A 2011 report by the Urban Land Institute urged cities to "do more with less" and find creative solutions to maintain aging infrastructure. Meanwhile, some states are pushing for new legislation, and the private sector is stepping in with advanced technologies that can help extend the life of bridges and roads.
One company leading the way is HJ3 Composite Technologies, which has been using carbon fiber reinforcement since 2001. Their methods have helped repair over 1 million square feet of transportation structures, cutting replacement costs by up to 80%. These kinds of innovations offer a promising path forward.
As citizens, we must continue to raise awareness about the critical need for infrastructure investment. It’s not just about fixing bridges—it’s about creating jobs, strengthening communities, and boosting commerce. By supporting smart, long-term solutions, we can ensure safer, more reliable infrastructure for future generations.
HJ3 is committed to delivering durable, cost-effective solutions that protect our bridges, buildings, and railways. If you're interested in learning more about how we can help, contact us today.
We’d like to thank 60 Minutes for inspiring this blog and for highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure reform in their report, “Falling Apart: America's Neglected Infrastructure.â€