Germany needs to invest in bridge repairs.
Bridge repairs are needed for Germany’s Autobahn network - image courtesy of © Peter Hermes Furian, Dreamstime.com
Germany’s new state-owned road company is requesting a budget increase for bridge repairs from the Federal Government. A recently published report highlights the plight of many of the bridges on Germany’s highway (Autobahn) network, revealing that around 3,000 of the 27,000 total are in need of improvements.
A budget of €1 billion/year has been made available for bridge maintenance, improvements and replacements. However, this is deemed insufficient for the sheer scale of work required.
Many existing bridges were constructed for considerably lower traffic volumes as well as lighter HGVs than use the crossings at present. In addition, many of the structures constructed in the 1950s and 1960s are now reaching the end of their functional life.
