
Germany has a massive problem with its road infrastructure, following years of neglect and insufficient maintenance. Much of the highway (Autobahn) network is reaching the end of its service life, with many of the key bridges built in the 60s and 70s now in need of upgrades or replacement. This mirrors similar problems with poor road infrastructure now being seen in the UK.
Some states have worse problems than others. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has a particular problem with highway bridges and a recent survey highlighted the worrying fact that 30% are listed in the two worst categories for condition. This data on the state of road bridges in North Rhine-Westphalia has been compiled jointly by the Bridge Monitor of the NRW Chamber of Commerce and Industry and RWTH Aachen University.
A total of 2,440 highway bridges North Rhine-Westphalia are in poor condition and this compares unfavourably with other German States. In Bavaria just 10% of bridges need upgrading while in Rhineland-Palatinate 14% of bridges require upgrading and in Baden-Württemberg the figure is 19%.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia includes some of Germany’s key cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Essen. Located close together, these cities even resemble a massive megacity from the air.
Replacement of the Rahmede Valley Bridge, demolished in 2023 due to its poor condition, will take until 2027 to complete, with traffic being able to use part of the new structure from 2026.
However, the problems arising from poor transport infrastructure are not limited to North Rhine-Westphalia, with several key bridges in Berlin also known to be in a poor state of repair. A repair and replacement programme for bridges in Berlin has been drawn up, although additional funding and a speedier approvals process for the work will be required.
In addition, the state of Saxony-Anhalt will face budget cuts for road works during 2025. The State Roads Authority will have just €70 million to invest in works to state roads during 2025. This represents a 25% cut from 2024. Repair and maintenance works will be prioritised, with new road projects being delayed. Meanwhile, the budget for work to Federal roads in Saxony-Anhalt has been cut by 15% to €133 million.
By contrast, Baden- Württemberg invested more than any other German state in road works during 2024. The German Federal Government contributed €638 million of the €1 billion spent by the state on road improvements for 2024. A total of 506km of roads as well as 132 bridges and tunnels in Baden- Württemberg benefited from road works in 2024.