District of Columbia
The BIL provides $1.2 billion in public transit funding in DC - utilizing galvanized steel in these projects will reduce future maintenance needs.
The infrastructure of the District of Columbia (DC) is in relatively good condition compared to other US cities. However, the city still faces several challenges in terms of aging infrastructure and the need for modernization.
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Washington, DC a C- on its infrastructure report card. This is an improvement from the "D+" grade given in 2017. The ASCE report highlighted that the city has made significant progress in improving its transportation infrastructure, particularly its public transit system. The city's Metro system, which serves DC and its surrounding suburbs, has undergone major upgrades in recent years, including the replacement of its outdated railcars and improvements to its safety systems.
However, the report also noted that DC's drinking water infrastructure is in need of investment. The city's water pipes are aging, with some dating back to the early 1900s, and in need of replacement. The report also cited the need for investment in DC's stormwater management system, which is currently insufficient to handle heavy rainfall events.
According to the DC Department of Transportation, the city has over 1,500 miles of streets, more than 250 bridges and tunnels, and over 1,000 traffic signals. The department reports that in 2020, they repaved over 80 miles of streets and resurfaced over 30 miles of bike lanes. They also completed several major construction projects, including the rehabilitation of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, which connects DC to Virginia.
In terms of public transportation, the DC Metro system serves over 700,000 passengers per weekday, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The system has over 90 stations and covers 117 miles of track. However, the system has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with ridership declining by over 90% at the height of the pandemic. The Metro has since seen some recovery in ridership, but it still faces financial challenges due to reduced revenue from fares.
Overall, while DC's infrastructure is in relatively good condition, the city still faces challenges in terms of aging infrastructure and the need for investment. However, recent improvements in the city's transportation infrastructure show that progress is being made in addressing these challenges.