PennDOT, responding to increasing interest in the subject of bridge safety, released the previously undisclosed safety ratings for Pennsylvania’s 25,000 bridges this week.

Although PennDOT had identified the state’s “structurally deficient” bridges, the safety ratings had been kept under wraps due to concerns that disclosure would cause undue alarm. The safety ratings use a scale of zero to 100, and the rating takes into account a bridge's structural condition, importance and ability to meet current traffic demands.

Following PennDOT’s release, news organizations across the state highlighted the ratings of local bridges and drew comparisons with the Interstate Highway bridge that collapsed in Minnesota earlier this month. PennDOT provides a complete listing of all Pennsylvania bridges and their ratings at www.dot.state.pa.us.

Nearly one-fourth of Pennsylvania's 25,000 state-owned bridges are considered structurally deficient. About 800 bridges have weight or lane restrictions, and 54 are closed, according to PennDOT.

“PennDOT’s concern that the public would not completely understand the ratings is understandable,” said PHIA president Ron Drnevich. “On the other hand, the public’s continuing interest on this topic may help keep Pennsylvania on the path toward solving this very important problem. Safety is of utmost importance, but a sound infrastructure is also essential to our economic well-being and quality of life.”