CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new report finds North Carolina is among the worst in the country for the condition of its bridges.
While South Carolina comes in right around the middle, North Carolina is at the bottom of the list with more problematic bridges than all but five other states, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.
ARTBA found 10 percent of North Carolina's bridges are classified as structurally deficient, which means one of their key elements is in poor condition.
As we've reported, two of the busiest structurally deficient bridges are on I-277 in Charlotte over Brevard and North College streets. State records showed parts of those bridges have deteriorated and need repairs.
The state planned on starting repairs this year, but North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesperson, Jen Thompson, said repairs won't start now until 2020. Thompson reassured the public that structurally deficient bridges are still safe.
NCDOT continues to chip away at its long list of bridge repairs. The state documents bridge problems yearly during routine inspections. NCDOT said fixing the bridges remains a priority.
The agency's already repaired hundreds since 2014 and is currently funded to repair or replace at least 250 more structurally deficient bridges by 2030.
POPULAR ON WCNC.COM
