Connecticut inspectors have classified 49 bridges in the state as structurally deficient and fracture critical, according to an analysis of public records by the Associated Press.
Repairing and replacing the bridges in the years to come will be a multi-billion dollar investment, the AAP reported.
Connecticut has more than 500 bridges that just fall under the structurally deficient category, meaning at least one major component is deteriorating, and more than 200 are fracture critical, meaning they are at risk of collapse if one vital component fails, the AP said.
The state Department of Transportation told the news wire service that certain bridges are inspected more frequently because of their condition, and that they would not be kept open if they posed a safety risk to the public.
The AP said the 49 bridges in the worst condition have average daily traffic of 1.8 million cars. Ten of the bridges are in Hartford.
