Texas is home to the most bridges in the nation—and according to transportation officials, the vast majority are in remarkably good condition.
“Texas has almost 57,000 bridges, which includes both on and off-system,” Butler said. “This is the largest bridge inventory of any state in the nation and more than double the size of the next largest state’s.”
The safety operations director said Texas’ bridge inventory exceeds the combined total of the 18 states with the fewest bridges.
“We’re on our own with the number of bridges that we maintain,” Butler said.
And that number is constantly growing. The department reportedly builds about 500 new bridges per year and replaces about 225.
“All of these bridges are inspected on a two-year cycle,” Butler said, adding that each year the department conducts about 28,500 routine inspections.
A small number—less than one percent—of Texas bridges are in poor condition. The number is notable considering the state’s rapid population growth and, subsequently, increased traffic.
“We know Texas is growing in traffic volume and population,” Butler said. “On average, vehicle miles traveled (have) been growing by about 4.5 percent per year and population growth about 1.2 percent per year.”
A majority of the state’s enormous bridge inventory is in great shape, with the average bridge condition score at 89.45 as of 2025, according to Bridge Division Director Jamie Farris. Farris said progress is on track to hit the target average of 90.
Houston’s bridge network still has familiar pressure points.
Bridges such as the I-45 span over White Oak Bayou and the Houston Avenue Bridge on I-10 have all faced recurring stress from heavy traffic, aging structures, or repeated vehicle strikes in recent years.
The Houston Avenue Bridge alone has been hit dozens of times by over-height trucks, forcing repeated inspections and repairs, according to transportation officials.