Deteriorating Infrastructure: Report Reveals Significant Bridge Repair Backlog

The state of bridge infrastructure across Germany is a pressing concern, as a recent analysis indicates that the situation may be even worse than previously thought. The report from Transport & Environment (T&E) highlights that approximately 16,000 bridges under federal jurisdiction are in a state of disrepair, contradicting earlier assessments that suggested a less severe condition.

T&E warns that delays in addressing these repairs will lead to increased wear and tear, ultimately resulting in even higher costs in the long run. The organization estimates that up to EUR100 billion will be required for the replacement of deteriorating bridges at federal, state, and municipal levels.

T&E, a European federation of non-governmental organizations advocating for sustainable transportation, points to specific examples, such as the Ringbahn Bridge on the A100 in Berlin, which has been closed since mid-March due to a widening crack in its structure. Currently, this bridge, originally built in 1963, is undergoing demolition, with plans for a new structure yet to be determined.

Another notable case is the Carolabrücke in Dresden, which partially collapsed into the Elbe River in September 2024. T&E emphasizes that the poor condition of many bridges in Germany's road network has been anticipated for some time, particularly as many of these structures were built in the 1970s and designed for lower traffic loads.

The report criticizes the Federal Ministry of Transport for not addressing the entire national highway network in its 2022 bridge modernization program. According to this plan, 4,000 bridges on heavily trafficked highways are scheduled for repair over the next decade, with an additional 4,000 to follow in the long term. However, T&E's findings suggest a far more urgent need for action, estimating that 5,905 bridges, which constitute 24% of the bridge area on the federal highway network, must be replaced. Furthermore, another 10,240 bridges are under such heavy stress that they likely require total replacement or reinforcement.

The condition of bridges varies significantly across regions. Urban states like Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen face particularly severe issues, with many structures exceeding their original load specifications. In contrast, the proportion of bridges needing reconstruction in North Rhine-Westphalia is reported to be double that of Bavaria. Eastern German states have a relatively newer infrastructure, with many bridges built in the 1990s and designed to accommodate higher traffic loads.

T&E's representative noted that while the need for immediate repairs is well-known, the ministry's response has been insufficient, leading to a prioritization process for bridge modernization known as triage. This delay in repairs is deemed both absurd and costly, as each postponed maintenance effort results in future expenses that could be avoided.

To address this growing crisis, T&E advocates for the next federal government to prioritize maintenance and repair efforts over the construction of new highways and federal roads. Additionally, they urge that federal and state authorities provide more funding to municipalities for infrastructure improvements.

With the growing realization of the risks posed by crumbling bridges, immediate action and funding are essential to ensure public safety and maintain essential transportation networks across the country.