The Golden State’s infrastructure is showing clear signs of strain, and a new assessment underscores how serious and costly the challenge has become.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 California Infrastructure Report Card, the state faces an estimated $70 billion funding shortfall over the next decade as demand on aging systems continues to grow.
Roads, bridges, dams, levees and stormwater system – many built generations ago – are increasingly unable to keep pace with population growth, climate impacts and economic needs.
California’s infrastructure network is vast: 25,000 bridges, 1,500 dams and more than 177,000 miles of roads.
Much of that network is in poor or marginal condition.
Nearly one-third of California’s roads are rated poor, placing the state among the worst in the nation for pavement quality.
Roads earned a D grade, while dams and levees each received a D+ and stormwater systems a D.
The consequences are felt daily by drivers and businesses alike.
California ranks first nationally for urban highway congestion, with motorists in major metropolitan areas losing more than 100 hours each year to traffic delays.
Several factors drive the growing maintenance backlog.
Fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles have eroded gas tax revenues, traditionally a key funding source for transportation.
At the same time, extreme weather events, particularly powerful winter storms, are accelerating deterioration and forcing public works agencies to divert limited dollars toward emergency repairs instead of long-term rehabilitation.
Those statewide trends are mirrored close to home along the Central Coast.
In Santa Cruz County, the Civil Grand Jury estimated $801 million in combined deferred maintenance for roads and culverts, based on data from the County’s 2019 Pavement Management Program. Today, 63% of local roads are rated in poor to failed condition.
“Santa Cruz County faces many of the same challenges seen across the region in addressing its road repair backlog,” said Matt Machado, Director of Community Development and Infrastructure for Santa Cruz County. “The scale of need far exceeds the level of reliable funding available, and recent storm seasons have intensified these pressures by redirecting limited resources toward high-cost disaster repair projects.
“Today’s conditions reflect decades of cumulative environmental and funding pressures, and long-term improvement will require sustained, predictable funding and careful prioritization.”
Conditions are severe in San Benito County, where 84% of the road network is rated poor or very poor. The county estimates it needs $14.5 million annually for 10 years to achieve modest improvement, leaving a $77 million backlog.
Monterey County faces an estimated $1.5 billion in deferred maintenance, including $700 million for roads and $300 million for bridges, with long-term local street and road needs approaching $1.8 billion.
For industry partners like Graniterock, these challenges underscore the importance of expertise, collaboration and long-term planning.
“California’s infrastructure challenges require durable solutions and a long-term outlook,” said Martin Canning, Construction Manager at Graniterock. “Graniterock has a deep understanding of how to build roads, bridges and drainage systems that withstand heavy use, extreme weather and time. By combining proven construction practices with affordable high-quality materials and skilled craft teams, we help public agencies make smart, economical investments in infrastructure that communities depend on every day.”
As California grapples with mounting infrastructure needs, one reality is clear: without sustained investment and strong public-private partnerships, the costs to safety, mobility and economic vitality will continue to rise.
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