The bridges listed below are among the worst in the region in terms of overall condition. Each bridge has serious structural problems both below the bridge and in the span's upper portion. State officials say the bridges are safe, but they all require corrective work. Weight, especially heavy, repetitive loads, causes vibrations and stress that create cracks. Water seeping through joints and cracks in a bridge deck can rust steel reinforcing bars.
Rusted bars expand, cracking concrete.
Bearings, intended to allow bridge parts to expand and contract with temperature changes, can rust. This blocks movement. Pent-up stress leads to cracks. Paint can chip, giving rust a place to form. Even minor damage allows rust and rot to weaken bridge supports.