Germany bridges require more funding, audit authority Bundesrechnungshof warns

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 

A bridge at autobahn
Image: Johann Jaritz.

Germany’s deteriorating bridges require increased financial support, German federal authority for audit matters, Bundesrechnungshof, warned on Tuesday. According to the report, the country faced significant infrastructure challenges as many bridges are aging and in urgent need of repair or replacement. Despite some government funding, experts said the current budget and pace of renovations are insufficient to address the backlog, risking further traffic disruptions and economic damage.

The Bundesrechnungshof have called for increased funding for the state-owned Autobahn GmbH but did not specify a precise amount, as the final requirement depends on how construction costs evolve.

Many bridges were built in the 1960s-1980s, reportedly for lighter, less frequent traffic and now cannot handle current loads.

Sources

• "Dilapidated bridges: Refurbishment is clearly behind schedule" — Bundesrechnungshof, April 29, 2025
• Christian Kraemer and Maria Martinez. "Germany's crumbling bridges need additional funds, auditors say" — Reuters, April 29, 2025
• James Rothwell. "Germany’s failing bridges could wreck Europe’s ability to wage war" — The Telegraph, April 26, 2025