Better Targeting of Federal Funds Needed to Eliminate Unsafe Bridges.

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that it would cost 41.1 billion to replace or rehabilitate the more than 200,000 deficient bridges in the Nation. The Federal bridge program-currently funded at slightly more than 1 billion per year -- helps States and local governments to finance replacement or rehabilitation of these bridges by providing up to 80 percent of project costs. GAO found that the program is not as effective as it could be because of its broad criteria for funding eligibility -- those bridges most in need of attention are not always selected. GAO also found that States and local governments are not fully complying with the National Bridge Inspection Standards.