Rhode Island Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis

Rhode Island is home to 787 bridges spanning 5 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 15,855,938 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of Rhode Island's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.

Rhode Island earns an overall infrastructure grade of D based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 110 bridges (14%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in Rhode Island is 55 years old, older than the national average of 48 years.

Of the state's 787 bridges, 196 are in good condition, 481 are fair, and 110 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [Rhode Island report card](/reports/rhode-island).

These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across Rhode Island. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.

The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in Rhode Island. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Rhode Island's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.

Rhode Island's bridge infrastructure grade of D reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 55 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.

For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [Rhode Island state page](/bridges/rhode-island) or the [Rhode Island report card](/reports/rhode-island). You can also explore how Rhode Island compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).