Article #1 in a Series: VDOT and Local Cities Providing our Region with Good Bridges

The State of Transportation report is updated annually and details the current status of all facets of the transportation system in Hampton Roads, including air, rail, water, and highways.  The report is part of the HRTPO’s Performance Management effort. 

According to the Draft State of Transportation in Hampton Roads 2014, the owners/operators of our bridges—primarily VDOT and local cities—are performing above average in providing our region with good bridges: 

• Structurally Deficient bridges comprise a smaller-than-average portion of our bridges (6%, 24^th highest out of 36 comparable metro regions [population 1-3 million])

• Structurally Deficient and Functionally Obsolete bridges comprise an average portion of our bridges (27%, 16^th highest out of 36 comparable metro regions)

Source: HRTPO analysis of VDOT and FHWA data; Chart1Pg16.png

“Structurally Deficient” bridges are structures with elements that need to be monitored and/or repaired.  Structurally Deficient bridges typically need to be rehabilitated or replaced to address deficiencies.  It must be noted, however, that Structurally Deficient bridges are not necessarily unsafe, and any bridge that is unsafe will be closed or will have weight limits imposed by bridge inspectors.

“Functionally Obsolete” bridges are structures that were built to standards that are no longer used today.  These bridges have narrow lanes, no shoulders, low vertical clearances, difficult approaches, or may occasionally be flooded. 

Source: HRTPO analysis of VDOT and FHWA data; Chart1Pg16.png 

All interested parties are encouraged to review the draft State of Tranpsortaiton report and send comments to the author Mr. Keith Nichols at knichols@hrtpo.org or by mail to 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. The deadline for comments on this draft report is May 21^st, 2014.