Germany's bridges crumbling due to decades of neglect, scientists warn

Germany's bridges are a critical weak point in the nation's infrastructure, with many crumbling or facing closure, a situation scientists argue could have been avoided. Steffen Marx from the Technical University of Dresden likened bridge maintenance to brushing teeth, stating that a day's neglect is minor, but 30 years of neglect, as seen in Germany, significantly speeds up deterioration.

Repairing or rebuilding a bridge costs many times more than routine maintenance, Marx explained. A simple fix like a blocked drain can lead to a saturated bridge, rusting steel, and much more complex and expensive repairs if left unaddressed. This neglect often results in sudden full closures when significant damage and collapse risks are discovered, affecting bridges like the Bonner Nordbrücke, Berlin's Ringbahnbrücke, and the Elbbrücke in Bad Schandau.

Martin Claßen of RWTH Aachen University noted the critical state of many heavily used bridges, especially on the Autobahn network. He described the current situation not as a sudden problem but as the result of long-term development. Many bridges, built after World War II and designed for an 80-year lifespan, are now facing increased traffic loads and a "build and forget" strategy where only legally mandated six-year inspections occur, leading to a wave of bridges in poor condition.