(July 31, 2008)—Texas has fixed only one of the state's 20 busiest bridges with a deficient rating since the deadly Minnesota overpass collapse a year ago, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.

Work has started on two other bridges defined as structurally deficient. The Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota had a similar label when its collapse killed 13 motorists. The tragedy sparked a nationwide call for greater bridge safety.

Since then, repairs haven't started on 17 of the 20 busiest deficient bridges in Texas. Those bridges carry more than 1.2 million vehicles per day.

State officials say the bridges are safe for travelers, but TxDOT scores released after last year's accident indicate some bridges fared much lower than others.

In Dallas, for instance, the northbound Interstate 35E bridge over the Trinity River and Brazos Street received a score of 46 out of 100.

One is the lowest score for structural adequacy and safety for public use. A score of 80 or lower qualifies a structure for federal highway funds.

Transportation agency spokesman Chris Lippincott says there have been upgrades to 153 of the 2,024 Texas bridges deemed structurally deficient a year ago.

Funding for bridge repair figures to be a hot topic when the Legislature meets next year.