Texas Infrastructure Gets a ‘C’

The American Society of Civil Engineers rates states in 16 categories related to transportation, water, waste management, parks, and more.

1 minute read

February 25, 2025, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Pennybacker Bridge in Austin, Texas. Bridge over river with orange arches and downtown Austin visible in far background.

Less than 2 percent of Texas bridges are listed in poor condition, the third lowest rate in the nation, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. | Raymond / Adobe Stock

A report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) rates much of Texas’s infrastructure as ‘mediocre’ or ‘poor.’ The 2025 report includes assessments of 16 categories including the newly added broadband, hazardous waste, ports, and rail.

According to an article for KSAT by Mason Hickok, “Of the sixteen categories, Texas received an overall grade of C, with 14 of the categories reflecting C+/- and D+/- grades.” The national average is a C-. Categories that received D grades in Texas are broadband, dams, drinking water, transit, levees, and wastewater. Aviation and bridges received B and B- grades, respectively.

“ASCE believes the stressors have been ‘balanced out’ by investments at the federal level coupled with state and local measures,” but federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could now be in jeopardy.

The report concludes with some recommendations: continued investment in infrastructure, “sound policy and standards that ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability for projects,” reviews and modernization of engineering standards, and asset management and planning.

Monday, February 24, 2025 in KSAT

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City