North Dakota faces bridge crisis as funding and contractor shortages hinder repairs

The Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division convened on January 21, 2025, to address critical infrastructure issues, particularly focusing on the state of bridges in North Dakota. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the lack of contractors capable of replacing and repairing bridges, primarily due to inconsistent funding sources.

A key statistic presented was that 32% of major local government bridges, totaling approximately 750 structures, are currently posted for load limits, which restricts their use and undermines the purpose of the roads they serve. The discussion emphasized the economic implications of these limitations, particularly for the transportation industry, which relies on the ability to transport heavy loads efficiently.

The meeting also reviewed the funding allocated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) from 2022 to 2024, which amounted to $80.9 million for 36 bridge replacements. Notably, $20 million of this funding was sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is no longer available, raising concerns about future funding sustainability. Local counties contributed $16.5 million in matching funds, but many counties struggle to meet even the 20% match requirement due to budget constraints.

The discussion underscored the need for new bridge construction and repairs, with estimated costs for hydrology studies and bridge replacements ranging from $1 million to over $5 million. The meeting revealed that only two counties in North Dakota currently have no bridge needs, while many others face significant challenges, with some counties reporting over 60 bridges in severe disrepair.

Senators acknowledged the urgency of addressing these infrastructure needs, as the current state of bridges poses critical risks to transportation and public safety. The meeting concluded with a call for more consistent funding and support for local governments to develop long-term plans for bridge maintenance and replacement.