Cities and counties shirk bridge maintenance

An audit has found that many local governments aren’t performing even low-cost, routine maintenance on structurally deficient bridges, years after state officials point out problems.

The report by the state Department of Audits and Accounts says, bridges owned by local governments are more than three-times as likely to be rated structurally deficient. Thirteen percent of Georgia’s 7,800 municipally-owned bridges fall into that category. Jim Higdon of the Georgia Municipal Association says, it’s a problem of state funding.

"Local governments don't have the resources to deal with the problem," Higdon says. "I don't think it's a major issue on their radar screen."

The report, however, says that cities and counties are neglecting even low-cost cleaning and sealing. That could lead to costlier repairs in the future. Officials recommend better training and communication between the state Department of Transportation and local communities on infrastructure needs.