Wisconsin Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis
A comprehensive look at Wisconsin's bridge inventory, including condition grades, highest-traffic crossings, worst-rated structures, and oldest bridges.
Wisconsin is home to 14,498 bridges spanning 72 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 79,435,105 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of Wisconsin's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.
14,498
Total Bridges
C
Infrastructure Grade
6.7%
Poor Condition
41 years
Average Age
Wisconsin at a Glance
Wisconsin earns an overall infrastructure grade of C based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 976 bridges (6.7%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in Wisconsin is 41 years old, younger than the national average of 48 years.
Of the state's 14,498 bridges, 6,749 are in good condition, 6,773 are fair, and 976 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [Wisconsin report card](/reports/wisconsin).
Most-Traveled Bridges in Wisconsin
These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across Wisconsin. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IH 41 NB over STH 55 | 65.0 |
| 2 | IH 94-E-W FREEWAY over LRD N 32ND ST | 58.1 |
| 3 | IH 94-E-W FREEWAY over LRD HAWLEY RD | 59.8 |
| 4 | IH41/94 NB & SB over IH RAMP SW IH41/94 NB TO | 71.0 |
| 5 | IH 41 over IH 43 NB | 70.0 |
| 6 | IH 94 over POPLAR CREEK | 70.0 |
| 7 | IH 94 over BR POPLAR CREEK | 70.2 |
| 8 | USH 12/18-W BELTLI over CMSTPP RR | 70.9 |
| 9 | USH 12/14/18/151 over LRD TODD DR | 63.3 |
| 10 | IH 41/43/894 over HONEY CREEK | 70.2 |
Worst-Condition Bridges in Wisconsin
The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in Wisconsin. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACCESS ROAD over EAU GALLE RIVER | 12.8 |
| 2 | LRD PEDESTRIAN (WO over MILWAUKEE RIVER | 13.5 |
| 3 | LRD N 50TH ST (DEA over MENOMONEE RIVER | 15.0 |
| 4 | LRD 16TH RD over CNW RR | 15.8 |
| 5 | LRD LATHERS RD over TURTLE CREEK | 16.4 |
| 6 | LRD IRR (ENSINGER over BRUNSWEILER RIVER | 16.5 |
| 7 | LRD SOPER RD (CLOS over N BR OCONTO RIVER | 16.8 |
| 8 | LRD CENTRAL STREET over DUNCAN CREEK | 18.0 |
| 9 | LRD SCHOOL HOUSE R over N BR EMBARRASS RIVER | 18.1 |
| 10 | LRD MILL ST over UNION PACIFIC RR | 18.4 |
Oldest Bridges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin'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.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LRD LATHERS RD over TURTLE CREEK | 16.4 |
| 2 | CTH N (DEAD END) over BR MCCARTNEY BRANCH | 36.1 |
| 3 | CTH G over S BR LITTLE WOLF RIVER | 69.7 |
| 4 | LRD BIGALKE RD over S BR LITTLE WOLF RIVER | 28.4 |
| 5 | LRD PEDESTRIAN (WO over MILWAUKEE RIVER | 13.5 |
| 6 | LRD BLOOMINGDALE R over W FK KICKAPOO RIVER | 55.5 |
| 7 | CTH M NASH ST over BLACK OTTER CREEK | 59.2 |
| 8 | LRD KOSIN RD over SEELEY CREEK | 55.8 |
| 9 | LRD LAKE PARK DR over DRAINAGE RAVINE | 61.4 |
| 10 | LRD E DYRESON RD over YAHARA RIVER | 52.8 |
What These Numbers Mean for Wisconsin
Wisconsin's bridge infrastructure grade of C reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 41 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 [Wisconsin state page](/bridges/wisconsin) or the [Wisconsin report card](/reports/wisconsin). You can also explore how Wisconsin compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).
Data source: All data comes from the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BridgeStats is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Data is provided for informational purposes only.
Related Articles
The 50 Worst-Rated Bridges in America (2025 Data)
A data-driven look at the 50 bridges with the lowest sufficiency ratings in the United States, based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.
RankingsWhich State Has the Best Bridge Infrastructure? Complete 2025 Rankings
Every state ranked by bridge infrastructure quality, from best to worst. See how your state's bridges compare on condition, age, and investment.
AnalysisHow Old Is the Average Bridge in Your State?
State-by-state rankings of average bridge age, with historical context about when America built its bridges and what that means for safety today.