Can anybody help me find a total dollar estimate to repair all US bridges?

Question

I am writing an editorial for my town paper and I am not the most computer search savvy. Thanks!

Thanks to all so far- Voltaire (love your work)- I should have specified those that are in dire need. I have an app in for FOIA but .... how long.I'm actually trying to compare Iraq war cost to infastructure maintenance.

Answer 1

I saw somthing flash across the TV screen today as an estimate, and it was over a trillion dollars, I don't remember the exact amount they said, something like 1.6. I think it was on Fox News Channel. I didn't see anything about how they got their estimate.

Answer 2

I guess we may never know! See the links. To repair them we need more information: How long are they all combined? Which contractor would you hire? (Oh silly me that would be Haliburton of course?) How long do they expect it to take? What penalty will they pay if it isn't done on time? What will they pay if it falls down? Will they take full responsibility for any loss or death resulting from faulty construction or stress failure?
What condition are all of the bridges in your county in? How often do they test or inspect them. What exactly do they inspect (for new paint?) Sorry this is so stupid for people to die for this? Those kids will be afraid for a very long time! They will just come up with a new kind of memorial to "fix" it. As if....
Towards your needs: Try the Department of Transportation for your county and see if they can answer "How many Bridges" then either google for bridge builders and see if they have a price that can be used for an average. You can actually request the real numbers for your area under the FOI. Freedom of information Act but, they can take their own sweet time in getting back to you. (see the 3rd link)

I think a better question might be who built the one that fell and why if they knew there was a problem 3 years ago, hasn't it been retro fitted and re supported? Maybe it would also be interesting to see what the final death count is and how much they will sue for. There's an attorney just waiting for that class action suit. After it's filed the rest of the country will get busy on fixing our bridges.
News in Dallas tonight-State of Texas can't comment on bridges due to HOMELAND SECURITY. I did learn one important fact if just one of our bridges was "out" it affects 150,000 people. Not to mention their employers or families. Now that sounds like a hell of an excuse to me! They are hiding behind it. Maybe I'll stay off the bridges for awhile. Travel safely!

Answer 3

Hi, please educate your question.

Repair ALL u.s. bridges could mistake readers into thinking that you mean even those that score a 99 out of 100 on the government checklist.

I have heard the each foot of extensive bridgework repair, costs 50cents on the dollar of the original cost per foot.

Some forms of routine maintenance are obviously cheaper.

For example, my company gets hired to do city maintenance, and maintaining the electrical systems on the bridge is a hugely-important job, but its fairly inexpensive.