Germany has a major infrastructure crisis with thousands of old bridges in desperate need of replacement or repair. A new report by the Federal Audit Office shows that just 69 of the 280 bridges to be renovated in 2024 have been upgraded, putting the government’s target to upgrade all key bridges by 2032 into question. To achieve this deadline, Autobahn GmbH would have to upgrade around 590 substructures each year, a rate considered unrealistic by auditors. The audit also points out a huge finance shortfall. Whereas the transport ministry puts the amount required for 2026 renovations at €1.4 billion, auditors estimate the requirement at €2.1 billion. The ministry refutes accusations of misrepresentation, saying that bridge modernization is a high priority and is moving ahead as planned. Adding to the problem, a 20% cut in the budget for national roads has been announced, reducing Autobahn GmbH’s budget from €6.2 billion to €4.9 billion. The reduction has been criticized by engineering bodies, who say that more than 4,000 motorway bridges are in dire need of renovation or rebuilding. They claim that the budget cut will result in increased bridge closures and further degradation of the road network.
New Civil Engineer
The crisis has real-world effects on day-to-day life and the economy. For example, the collapse of Dresden’s Carola Bridge in September 2024 disrupted traffic and cut district heating pipes, leaving the city without hot water. Internal rusting, likely caused by aggressive de-icing salts in East Germany, is suspected to have caused the failure.
To address the increasing infrastructure woes, the new coalition government led by Friedrich Merz has sanctioned a €500 billion investment package to revamp roads, bridges, tunnels, schools, hospitals, and the railways. Still, analysts advise that money alone is not the solution. Intensified planning, simplified approvals, and a forward-looking maintenance approach are critical to avoid more infrastructure breakdowns. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address Germany’s deteriorating infrastructure, ensuring safety and economic stability.