North Carolina Construction News staff writer
North Carolina’s infrastructure earned an overall grade of C- in the 2026 report card released by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ North Carolina Section. The report assessed seven sectors: aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, roads, stormwater and wastewater.
The grade reflects a need for improvement in funding, operations, maintenance and capacity, ASCE said. Population growth and economic expansion are increasing demand on the state’s infrastructure, a challenge worsened by extreme weather events such as Tropical Storm Helene.
As of 2024, the North Carolina Department of Transportation managed 13,848 bridges, with 46% rated in good condition, 46% fair and 8% poor. The percentage of bridges rated “poor” has fallen from 22.8% in 2014 due to increased investment in replacement, preservation and maintenance. Still, aging infrastructure remains a concern. More than 4,800 bridges are over 50 years old, a number expected to exceed 6,300 by 2035.
NCDOT uses AI-powered tools, including ArTEMIS, to assess conditions and prioritize repairs. Funding for bridge work has grown from $150 million in fiscal 2015 to $482 million in fiscal 2025. Future bridge funding needs are projected to reach $961 million by fiscal 2027, leaving a $479 million shortfall.
North Carolina’s roads also face growing pressures. NCDOT oversees more than 80,000 lane miles, critical for mobility and commerce. Nearly two-thirds of roads are in only fair condition, requiring resurfacing or replacement within the next decade. Aging assets, rising vehicle miles traveled and inflationary pressures are straining maintenance and modernization.
Traditional funding sources, such as the motor fuels tax, are under pressure due to improved fuel efficiency and the growth of electric vehicles. ASCE said sustainable funding, resilience investment and safety initiatives will be essential to improve road conditions.
Federal and state funding has helped address other infrastructure needs. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided $12.3 billion to projects statewide. Transportation funding increases have supported work across the mountains, Piedmont and coastal regions, including the $145 million replacement of a washed-out section of NC-12 near Cape Hatteras. The state faces a $5.97 billion dam repair backlog, including $2.83 billion for high-hazard dams.
Sewer and wastewater treatment needs total $12.6 billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey. Aging drinking water, stormwater and wastewater systems, often funded through local stormwater fees, also require upgrades. Aviation capacity is strained as enplanements grow, with $520 million from the IIJA supporting airport improvements. Since 2014, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has funded $1.5 billion in drinking water projects.
ASCE said additional funding will support both immediate and long-term improvements, helping communities maintain a state of good repair while accommodating population growth.
“Investing in infrastructure is critical to quality of life, public safety and economic growth,” the report said. “North Carolina must address these gaps now to ensure its infrastructure can meet current and future demands.”