Infrastructure Scorecard Improves But Has a Long Way to Go — That’s Where Tolling and User Fees Come In

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released its 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, awarding the nation an overall grade of C-up from a C- in 2021. This marks progress, due in part to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), but it also highlights that the nation's core transportation systems-including roads and bridges-still require serious investment and attention.

The U.S. economy runs on infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and tunnels are the arteries of commerce, moving goods and people efficiently across the country. Yet despite improvements, aging assets and deferred maintenance threaten long-term reliability and safety. Closing the funding gap must be a top priority-and that's where tolling and user fees come in.

Let's take a look at how roads, bridges, and tunnels are faring:

Roads: Still in Rough Shape - Grade D+

America's roads received a D+ in the 2025 report, up from a D in 2021. This grade reflects widespread wear and tear, persistent congestion, and years of underinvestment. Over 20% of roads nationwide are in poor condition, causing safety concerns and imposing $130 billion annually in extra costs for vehicle repairs and fuel consumption.

While the IIJA injected $351 billion over five years into roads and bridges, ASCE makes clear this is still not enough to meet the growing demands of both passenger and freight traffic. Maintenance backlogs continue to grow, particularly at the state and local level, where budgets remain constrained.

Bridges: Holding Steady - Grade C

Bridges received a C, showing stability but little cause for celebration. Of the 623,000+ bridges across the country:

• 44.1% are in good condition,
• 49.1% are in fair condition, and
• 6.8% are in poor condition.

The large share of bridges in fair condition is a warning sign-they could slip into poor condition without timely maintenance. While the IIJA included $40 billion in dedicated bridge funding, ASCE estimates the true rehabilitation need at $191 billion. That leaves a major gap to be filled.

Tunnels: Critical, But Not Individually Graded

Although tunnels aren't assessed as a standalone category in the 2025 Report Card, they are vital components of transportation systems-especially in urban centers and mountainous terrain. Many are aging, with needs ranging from basic structural maintenance to modern upgrades in lighting and ventilation. Because they fall under broader categories like roads and transit, tunnels often struggle to compete for limited funding.

Tolling, User Fees, and Smart Policy

To close the infrastructure funding gap-estimated at $3.7 trillion over the next decade-America must go beyond temporary federal programs and return to fundamentals: those who use the system should help pay for it.

Tolling and user fees are essential tools for building and maintaining infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. These mechanisms provide a direct, reliable revenue stream that is reinvested in the very assets being used-bridges, tunnels, and roads. Unlike fuel taxes, which are steadily declining with the rise of electric vehicles and fuel efficiency, tolling is sustainable and scalable.

IBTTA broadly supports the principles outlined in ASCE's 2025 Report Card:

• Sustained Investment: We support smart, forward-looking policies and urge Congress to maintain the investment levels established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) when it expires in 2026, and to fully fund authorized programs through the annual appropriations process.
• Transparent and Sustainable Pricing: Infrastructure owners must charge rates that reflect the true cost of using, maintaining, and improving infrastructure. Equally important, agencies must help the public understand these costs-transparency builds trust, and trust builds support.
• Strategic Use of Public-Private Partnerships: We support the use of public-private partnerships (P3s) for appropriate projects and encourage exploration of additional financing tools. P3s allow agencies to tap into private-sector expertise and funding while maintaining public accountability.
• Reinforcing Long-Term Funding Foundations: Sustained support for critical programs like the Highway Trust Fund is essential. That includes exploring forward-looking, pay-as-you-go models such as Road Usage Charging-an increasingly viable solution as fuel tax revenues continue to decline.

The 2025 Infrastructure Report Card shows progress-but also confirms that America is not out of the woods. Roads are still crumbling. Bridges are aging. Tunnels remain underfunded. Federal spending alone won't solve these challenges.

Tolling and user fees are proven tools that ensure those who benefit from infrastructure contribute to its upkeep. Backed by sound policy, clear communication, and strategic collaboration, these mechanisms can help deliver the strong, safe, and modern transportation systems Americans deserve-without placing the burden on future generations.

To explore the full 2025 Report Card and ASCE's recommendations, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org .