Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Structural and Financial Challenges of Britain’s Ageing Bridges
The State of Britain’s Bridges
Highway bridges form the backbone of Britain’s transport network, supporting the daily movement of goods and people. Yet, new data reveals that nearly 3,000 council-maintained bridges are now classed as substandard, unable to carry the heaviest vehicles. This article examines the scale of the issue, the structural and financial challenges faced by local authorities, and the modern engineering and asset management strategies that can restore safety, resilience, and long-term value to the UK’s bridge infrastructure.