But the US is failing even to maintain its current substandard conditions in roads and bridges, according to the 2003 Progress report for America's infrastructure.

The ASCE put the overal condition of the nation’s bridges at "C", the same value as in its previous report in 2001. As of 2000, 27.5% of the nation's bridges were structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, says today’s report.

A panel of 20 eminent civil engineers surveyed 12 categories of the nation’s infrastructure. The overall grade was D+, unchanged from 2001. ASCE estimates that US$1,600 billion is needed for infrastructure renewal over a five-year period.

ASCE points out that the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21) is set to expire on 30 September, leaving the country without a coordinated directive for improving transportation. TEA-21 had authorized $218 billion for highway and transit programs in 2001. Althought this has helped, America continues to shortchange funding for much needed road and bridge repairs says ASCE.

"Congress and the Administration must act to reauthorize this important legislation with sufficient funding to address the significant needs identified for America's surface transportation systems," says the report.

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