Bridges get fixed but inventory still has big needs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- Bridges and culverts in poor condition or with deficiencies that are driven on each are day among the 5,889 bridges in the state.

About 963 of those bridges are in poor condition, according to a Consumer Affairs report. March 2024 report from the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Most of these bridges in poor condition aren't on state roads, according to a March 2024 report from the South Dakota Department of Transportation. The report said 1.9% or 35 bridges of SD DOT bridges are in poor condition. But about, 65% of the state's bridges are in fair condition.

While the poor-condition bridges may not be on state roads, they are on county roads and township roads which get daily traffic. And in some cases, they will be on local roads where traffic is increasing.

Counties, cities, township...