UBCO study helps prioritize bridge repairs amid climate, aging risks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan say Canada’s bridges and highways are facing growing strain from a combination of extreme weather and aging infrastructure.

A new study from UBC Okanagan warns many transportation structures are approaching or have exceeded their intended lifespan, while also being exposed to more frequent climate-driven events such as atmospheric rivers, flooding and severe storms.

To help address the issue, the research team has developed a bridge screening index to help governments prioritize which structures should be inspected or repaired first. The tool uses readily available data, including structural condition, traffic levels, safety risk and economic impacts.

The study also highlights the scale of Canada’s challenge, noting many bridges and tunnels were built before 1940 and were not designed for today’s traffic volumes or changing climate conditions. Researchers say deterioration often happens gradually through wear, corrosion and fatigue, but limited funding means governments must still prioritize which repairs to make first.

Researchers say the goal is to give decision-makers a more consistent, data-driven way to rank infrastructure needs when budgets are limited.