Latest ASCE Infrastructure Report Card: Improved to a "C" Overall

ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Shows Modest Gains, Big Trucking Gaps

2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Raises Grade to ‘C’

The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card for 2025 has arrived, and the United States has officially moved up from a “C-” to a flat “C.” While that may not sound like a huge win, it marks the first time in decades that nearly half of all infrastructure categories saw an improved grade.

Much of this change stems from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which fueled billions of dollars into long-overdue repairs and upgrades. But for truck drivers, the ASCE report also brings a familiar frustration: roads and bridges remain underfunded, overused, and badly in need of repair.

ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Reveals Troubling Road Conditions

For commercial truck drivers, one of the most relevant findings in the report is the “D+” given to U.S. roads. About 39% of major roadways are in poor or mediocre condition. That’s only a small improvement from 2020, when the number was 43%.

Rough roads lead to damaged equipment, lost hours, and costly repairs. In fact, ASCE estimates poor road conditions cost each driver more than $1,400 a year in operating expenses. Federal funding has helped—$591 billion has gone toward roads and bridges since 2021—but there’s still a $684 billion gap in what’s needed over the next 10 years.

Bridges didn’t fare much better. Of more than 623,000 bridges nationwide, nearly 7% are in poor condition, while 49% are stuck in the “fair” category. That puts truckers at risk of detours, closures, and delays—especially when dealing with weight-restricted spans.

Ports Score Well in ASCE Infrastructure Report Card—A Win for Freight

The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card gave ports the highest grade of any category with a “B.” That’s good news for truckers hauling containers between coastal ports and inland distribution hubs.

Recent investments have nearly doubled funding for port infrastructure, allowing for upgrades that reduce wait times and improve traffic flow for truckers. Still, climate-related threats like rising seas and stronger storms remain a challenge for coastal facilities.

Transit and Stormwater Systems Still Dragging Behind

Transit systems and stormwater infrastructure both scored a “D,” showing limited progress and continued risks. While not directly tied to long-haul trucking, these systems indirectly affect truck drivers, especially in urban areas.

Without effective transit, more cars clog the roads—adding congestion to freight corridors. And when stormwater systems fail, flooded roads and low-visibility hazards force truckers to reroute or delay deliveries.

Resilience Matters: Infrastructure Must Withstand the Unexpected

One of the strongest messages in the 2025 ASCE report is the urgent need for more resilient systems. From hurricanes and wildfires to heat waves and flash floods, infrastructure is taking a beating from extreme weather.

For truckers, this translates into more road closures, unpredictable delays, and dangerous conditions. ASCE estimates that every $1 spent on resilience saves $13 in future disaster-related costs. But many communities still lack the funding—or the long-term planning—to build infrastructure that can stand up to these pressures.

ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Highlights Ongoing Investment Gap

While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act marked a major turning point, its funding ends in 2026. If investment levels drop back to pre-2021 numbers, the consequences could be serious. The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card estimates a $3.7 trillion funding gap still exists.

That shortfall would impact everything from highway upgrades to bridge maintenance and public safety. For the trucking industry, that could mean even more delays, higher operating costs, and increased pressure on already strained supply chains.

What Truck Drivers Should Take Away from the ASCE Infrastructure Report Card

The 2025 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card offers a mixed outlook. On one hand, there’s clear progress—particularly at ports and in several long-neglected sectors. But for truck drivers, the core issues remain largely unchanged: crumbling roads, aging bridges, and slow-moving projects.

Continued infrastructure investment is essential to making real improvements. ASCE is calling for sustained funding, stronger resilience planning, and smarter infrastructure policies that prioritize long-term value. Until that happens, truckers will keep navigating the challenges of a system that’s improving—but still falling short.