WSDOT: 9.9% of state bridges in poor condition, 342 exceeding 75-year lifespan

(The Center Square) – State transportation officials warned Thursday that 342 of Washington’s bridges are now at least 80 years old, pegging the estimated replacement costs at approximately $9.2 billion.

The Washington State Department of Transportation manages 3,427 bridges, the oldest of which was built in 1915, with an average age of 51.7 years. The average lifespan is 75 years. WSDOT rated 9.9% of the total state inventory as being in poor condition as of June 2025, rising from 8.5% in June 2024.

For comparison, only 4.8% of the 4346 bridges owned by cities, counties and other entities are in poor condition. WSDOT Bridge Engineer Evan Grimm told the state Transportation Commission Thursday that poor condition doesn’t always mean a bridge is unsafe, but it does make it more expensive to fix.

“The preservation need isn’t changing,” Grimm said. “The problems we’re seeing aren’t going anywhere.”​

Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin said crews are increasi...