In its latest “conditions and performance” report on highways and transit systems, the Dept. of Transportation says total capital spending rose sharply over the years of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. But it will take even more through 2022 to maintain conditions.

The report, posted on the Federal Highway Administration’s Website, www.fhwa.dot.gov/poli cy/2004cpr, is DOT’s most recent. The data only runs through 2002.

It reports federal, state and local highway and bridge capital spending hit $68.2 billion in 2002, up 41% from 1997. It estimates maintaining conditions will require an 8% average annual hike, excluding inflation. Transit capital spending climbed 21% between 1997 and 2002, to $12.3 billion. The annual cost to maintain conditions is $15.5 billion, up 27% from 2002.