The American Society of Civil Engineers on March 9 assigned a grade of “D+” to the quality of U.S. roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in an assessment that the group publishes every four years. The rating was unchanged from 2013.

(Explore the 2017 Assessment.)

The group estimated that there’s a gap of more than $2 trillion between projected current funding and the $4.59 trillion it would take to improve U.S. infrastructure to a “B” grade by 2025, according to a report. The findings could reinforce President Donald Trump’s initiative to steer as much as $1 trillion in public and private funds to U.S. infrastructure over the coming years.

Infrastructure overall received a D+ grade from ASCE.“We need our elected leaders – those who pledged to rebuild our infrastructure while on the campaign trail – to follow through on those promises with investment and innovative solutions that will ensure our infrastructure is built for the future,’’ Norma Jean Mattei, ASCE president, says in a statement.

(Read "Built in the U.S.A.: Replacing 559 Bridges in 3 Years.")

The ASCE evaluated 16 categories of infrastructure in its 2017 report card, with grades ranging from a “B’’ for rail to a “D-’’ for transit. Engineers assessed data and reports and consulted with technical and industry experts to assign grades, the group says. The criteria included whether capacity meets current and future demands, infrastructure condition and the current level of funding.

The group defined the “D+’’ grade as infrastructure that is “in fair to poor condition and mostly below standard, with many elements approaching the end of their service life.”

(Read "Highest Dam in the U.S. Faces Threat.")

While the overall grade was unchanged from 2013, there were some improvements: hazardous waste management, inland waterways and locks, levees, ports, rail, schools and wastewater treatment, according to the report. Grades fell for parks, solid waste management and transit. They stayed the same for aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, energy and roads.

(Read "Hardening the Energy Coast.")

The ASCE represents more than 150,000 members in 177 countries who plan, design, construct and operate infrastructure. In a 2016 report, the group estimated that a failure to close the gap in infrastructure investment would result in $3.9 trillion in losses to the U.S. economy by 2025.