The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

For decades, Wisconsin, like most states, had a critical blind spot in its infrastructure maintenance. While large bridges underwent regular inspections and federal tracking, thousands of smaller structures—spanning just 6 to 20 feet—remained invisible. These small bridges and culverts are a critical link in our local road network, yet we had no comprehensive data on their location, condition, or safety. 

That changed two years ago. Policymakers recognized a simple truth: we cannot fix what we do not measure. Thanks to a $12.5 million investment in the 2023-2025 state budget, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Towns Association, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin County Highway Association, and other stakeholders, launched an unprecedented effort to locate and evaluate these small structures. 

The project unfolded in two phases. In 2024, local governments conducted the first statewide inventory of its kind, identifying nearly 17,000 small structures. Once locations were mapped, certified bridge inspectors were deployed in 2025 to assess the physical condition of each structure. 

Using a standardized 0-to-9 rating scale, the results delivered a sobering wake-up call. More than 1,600 of these small bridges and culverts are in poor or severe condition. Some require immediate weight restrictions, lane limitations, or closures, with those in the worst condition demanding replacement now. Many others will need to be replaced within the next few years to keep local roads safe and functional. 

Although the state recently allocated $30 million to begin addressing the most urgent cases, this funding only scratches the surface. 

Today, we are making this data accessible to everyone. After years of work, a new platform, FixWIBridges.com, offers a transparent, user-friendly view of the problem. The site draws on data from WisDOT and USDOT and local case studies to illustrate the full scope of the challenge and monitor Wisconsin’s efforts to repair or replace the most deficient structures. 

Wisconsin’s transportation system is complex and massive. This website looking at Wisconsin’s bridges, large and small, provides another reason why adequate, reliable investment is essential and serves as a practical roadmap toward a safer transportation network across our state. 

I encourage every Wisconsinite to visit FixWIBridges.com today. 

Debby Jacksonis the executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin.