Worst Bridges in Hawaii
Bridges with the lowest condition ratings in Hawaii. Hawaii has 78 bridges in poor condition (6.5% of 1,195 total bridges).
1,195
Total Bridges
6.5%
In Poor Condition
78
Poor Bridges
10
Listed Below
Understanding Bridge Conditions in Hawaii
Hawaii's bridge infrastructure reflects decades of construction, maintenance, and replacement decisions influenced by geography, climate, traffic patterns, and available funding. With 78 bridges currently rated in poor condition (6.5% of the total inventory), understanding what these ratings mean helps residents and policymakers make informed decisions about infrastructure investment.
Federal inspectors evaluate three key components on every highway bridge: the deck (the driving surface and its immediate supports), the superstructure (beams, girders, trusses, or other primary load-carrying members), and the substructure (piers, abutments, and foundations that transfer loads to the ground). Each component receives a rating from 0 to 9, with the lowest of these three ratings determining the overall condition category. A rating of 4 or below classifies a bridge as “poor,” indicating significant structural deterioration that warrants prioritized attention.
Poor-rated bridges remain safe for use at their posted limits because federal law requires that any bridge with load-carrying deficiencies be either repaired, posted with weight restrictions, or closed. Many poor-rated bridges receive more frequent inspections than the standard 24-month cycle, allowing engineers to monitor deterioration rates and ensure conditions have not worsened beyond safe operating limits. Weight restrictions protect the structure while allowing continued service until rehabilitation or replacement can be funded and constructed.
Infrastructure investment decisions involve difficult trade-offs between maintaining aging structures and building new capacity. Bridges listed below represent the most deteriorated structures in Hawaii's inventory, where rehabilitation or replacement investment would have the greatest impact on improving overall infrastructure condition. Understanding where these bridges are located helps communities advocate for appropriate funding and plan alternative routes when load restrictions affect commercial traffic.
Condition Rating Scale
Failed to Critical
Closed or severely restricted. Major deterioration requiring immediate action.
Serious to Poor
Significant deterioration affecting capacity. Often weight-restricted.
Fair
Minor deterioration visible. Maintenance recommended but not urgent.
Good to Excellent
Components in sound condition with no significant deficiencies.
Lowest Rated Bridges in Hawaii
| Rank | Bridge | Rating | Year Built | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | MAMALAHOA over MAMALAHOA/KOLEKOLE STRM TMK 2-8-15:16 | 2 | 1929 | Poor |
| #2 | FARR HWY over ULEHAWA STRM 0.08MI W/MOHIHI RD | 2 | 1963 | Poor |
| #3 | KUMUHAU ST. over WAIMANALO STREAM TMK=4-1-18 | 2 | 1963 | Poor |
| #4 | HAWAII BELT RD over NANUE STRM 1.66MI W/KAUNIHO RD | 3 | 1952 | Poor |
| #5 | MAMALAHOA over MAMALAHOA/LAUHALA TMK 4-2-02:20 | 3 | 1930 | Poor |
| #6 | KAM HWY over NF KAUKONAHUA(K THOT) 0.18MI N/KILANI AVE | 3 | 1932 | Poor |
| #7 | KAM HWY over N PUNALUU STRM 1.53MI SE/SCRD FALLS RD | 3 | 1926 | Poor |
| #8 | KAM HWY over KAHALUU STRM 0.14MI S/WAIHEE RD | 3 | 1980 | Poor |
| #9 | FARR HWY over MAIPALAOA STRM 0.05MI W/MAIPALAOA RD | 3 | 1967 | Poor |
| #10 | FARR HWY over UNMD STRM(MAKAHA #3) 0.12MI W/UPENA ST | 3 | 1937 | Poor |
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Data Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory 2024
Bridge inspection data is typically updated every 24 months. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
“Structurally deficient” does not mean a bridge is unsafe or likely to collapse. It indicates that one or more key structural elements are in poor or worse condition. Bridges are inspected regularly and may have load restrictions in place.
This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used for route clearance or vehicle weight decisions.