The Bundesrechnungshof has criticized the German Ministry of Transport for underestimating the funding needed for bridge repairs, estimating a requirement of €2.1 billion for 400 bridges in the upcoming year, while the Ministry anticipates only €1.4 billion.

The auditing authority warns that without significant intervention, the ongoing deterioration of bridges will continue unabated.

To meet the ambitious goal of completing bridge modernization by 2032, approximately 590 structures would need to be modernized each year, a target deemed unrealistic by the Bundesrechnungshof.

Kay Scheller, president of the Bundesrechnungshof, has warned that without decisive action, further deterioration of bridge conditions and additional closures are likely.

The poor condition of many bridges is largely attributed to increased truck traffic, highlighting the critical need for quality infrastructure to support transportation.

Looking ahead, the future government led by the Union and SPD is expected to establish a €500 billion special fund for infrastructure, although the specific additional funding needed remains unspecified.

The auditing authority has called for a shift in priorities, suggesting that the Autobahn GmbH should focus more on bridge renovations rather than new construction projects.

Currently, 8,100 out of 23,400 highway bridges and 3,000 out of 20,500 federal road bridges are classified as needing modernization.

As of the end of 2024, only 40% of the planned bridge renovations had been completed, with the number of successful projects decreasing annually.

This financial shortfall raises concerns about the risk of increased bridge closures across Germany due to slow modernization efforts.

The Ministry is accused of downplaying the urgency of the situation, as thousands of bridges are in disrepair and require immediate attention.

Critics argue that the Ministry misrepresents its progress by counting all completed structures as successes, including new bridges that are not part of the renovation program.