Introduction. The article examines the current challenges of bridge management in Ukraine under the conditions of infrastructure aging and increasing traffic loads. The assessment of the technical condition of bridges is becoming especially important in the context of road safety, economic stability, and national defense.
Problem Statement. Most bridges in Ukraine have been in service for more than fifty years, which has led to a decrease in their designed load capacity and the accumulation of structural defects. The lack of a systematic national modernization program complicates the effective planning of repairs and reconstructions. Similar challenges have previously arisen in developed countries that implemented large-scale infrastructure programs for bridge rehabilitation.
Purpose. The purpose of this study is to analyze international experience in bridge management, particularly the examples of the United States and Germany, and to develop recommendations for creating a national strategy for bridge renewal in Ukraine.
Materials and Methods. The study uses statistical data on the condition of bridges on national highways of Ukraine, the results of inspections and testing, information from official reports of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and the German Ministry of Transport, as well as analytical sources and scientific publications devoted to the assessment of transport structures.
Results. Based on the analysis of international practices, the key elements of an effective bridge management strategy have been identified, including systematic technical inspections, prioritization of works according to technical condition and transport importance, and stable funding based on long-term planning. It has been shown that the approaches of the United States and Germany differ in scale and implementation pace but share a common foundation — reliability of data and consistency in management decisions.
Conclusion. The current state of Ukraine’s bridge infrastructure requires the introduction of a systematic management approach based on inspection results and scientifically grounded prioritization. The implementation of a program similar to the American and German models will help improve traffic safety, ensure efficient use of resources, and support the gradual renewal of bridges in the post-war period.
