In the past 10 years, by how many has the number of structurally deficient bridges declined?

Answer: B — 16,470

The number of structurally deficient bridges has declined significantly over the past decade, with the specific figure being 16,470. This decline reflects successful efforts and investments in infrastructure maintenance and repair aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the nation’s transportation networks. This number highlights the importance of ongoing infrastructure assessments and funding for repairs, as these initiatives directly contribute to reducing the number of bridges that are deemed unsafe or need structural repairs. Efforts from both federal and state levels, along with awareness campaigns about the condition of public infrastructure, have also played a crucial role in addressing this issue. Understanding this context helps grasp how infrastructure management is a dynamic and essential aspect of maintaining transportation efficiency and safety.