Through periodic safety inspections, data is collected on the condition of the primary components of a structure. Condition ratings, based on a scale of 0-9, are collected for the following components of a bridge. A condition rating of 4 or less on one of the following item classifies a bridge as structurally deficient.

• The bridge deck, including the wearing surface:
• The superstructure, including all primary load-carrying members and connexions
• The substructure, considering the abutments and all piers

• Replacement: bridge must have a sufficiency rating of less than 50 and * Repair: bridge must have a sufficiency rating of less than 80 and the jurisdiction is prevented from using any additional federal aid for 10 years.