America's Failing Infrastructure: A Growing Crisis in Bridges and Roads
America’s infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges—it's the foundation of our daily lives. From commuting to work to delivering goods and services, our transportation systems are essential for economic growth and public safety. Yet, many of these vital structures are showing their age, with alarming signs of neglect and deterioration. In 2013, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a report card that painted a bleak picture: 1 in 9 bridges in the U.S. was classified as structurally deficient, totaling over 70,000 bridges nationwide. These are not just numbers—they represent real risks to drivers, pedestrians, and communities. Despite some one-time funding from the 2009 stimulus package, little has changed. No major legislation has been passed to address this growing crisis, and the problem continues to worsen. Pittsburgh, often called “The City of Bridges,†serves as a stark example of what happens when infrastructure is left unchecked. The city has over 4,000 bridges, with 20% considered structurally deficient. Some of these were built over 80 years ago, far beyond their intended lifespan. For instance, the Liberty Bridge, built in 1928, is now 86 years old and still carries thousands of vehicles every day. In some cases, temporary steel supports have been added to prevent falling debris—clear signs that these bridges are barely holding on. According to Andy Herman, a former president of ASCE, Pennsylvania faces one of the worst infrastructure challenges in the country. One out of every four bridges in the state is in poor condition, and the cost of repairs is far greater than what’s available. Take I-95 in Philadelphia, where a 22-mile stretch includes 15 structurally deficient bridges. Fixing just this section could cost $7 billion—money the state doesn’t currently have. A 2011 report by the Urban Land Institute urged communities to “do more with less†and find innovative ways to tackle infrastructure issues. While some states are starting to take action, others are still waiting for change. Meanwhile, the private sector is stepping in with new technologies that can extend the life of aging structures and reduce long-term costs. One such company is HJ3 Composite Technologies, which has been using carbon fiber solutions since 2001 to reinforce bridges and overpasses. Their methods have helped repair over 1 million square feet of infrastructure, cutting replacement costs by up to 80%. This kind of innovation shows that there are viable, cost-effective options for addressing the crisis. As concerned citizens, we must push for better investment in our infrastructure. It’s not just about fixing potholes or repairing bridges—it’s about creating jobs, strengthening communities, and boosting commerce. When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in the future. HJ3’s commitment to safe, efficient, and long-lasting solutions is a model for what the future of infrastructure should look like. If you're interested in learning more about how we can rebuild and protect our nation’s critical structures, reach out today. We’d like to thank 60 Minutes for inspiring this article and for highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure reform through their powerful report, "Falling Apart: America's Neglected Infrastructure."Sink roll, stabilized roll, sink roll arm, rotary joint, roll sleeves and bushes for galvanizing line
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