Bridge management in the UK: challenges, risks and global comparisons

Purpose Bridges are crucial to national infrastructure, ensuring safety, connectivity and economic growth. However, challenges like ageing structures, funding limits and climate risks persist. While asset management research is extensive, a gap remains in comparing UK-specific issues with global trends. This study aims to review literature to identify key risks and knowledge gaps, particularly in maintaining ageing bridges under increasing load demands. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted using leading academic databases and professional publications. The extracted data were synthesised into a structured table, highlighting the frequency and distribution of key bridge management challenges in the UK compared to global contexts. Findings Key factors in bridge management include ageing infrastructure, limited funding, skills shortages and climate change. In the UK, challenges like scour and flooding are prominent, while global issues often involve earthquakes and hurricanes. Knowledge gaps in managing ageing bridges and increased load demands highlight the need for adaptive strategies. Research limitations/implications The findings inform policymakers, asset owners and engineers by identifying key risk factors and knowledge gaps. This supports the development of adaptive management strategies that improve planning, coordination and decision-making in bridge maintenance and safety. Practical implications The findings impact policymakers, asset owners, and engineers by improving bridge management, enhancing infrastructure resilience, public safety, economic stability, and community connectivity through effective risk mitigation and sustainable development. Social implications Effective bridge management ensures the safety and functionality of critical transportation infrastructure, directly impacting societal mobility and economic productivity. Addressing ageing infrastructure and climate change risks contributes to community resilience and reduces disruptions caused by infrastructure failures. This study highlights the role of innovation and collaboration in mitigating long-term risks, fostering public trust in infrastructure reliability. Prioritising sustainability, the research aligns with broader societal goals, including reduced environmental impacts and equitable access to safe transportation networks. These implications underline the importance of bridge management in supporting social well-being and economic stability. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to compare UK bridge management challenges with global ones, offering insights into how local and international factors interact and laying the groundwork for future research and innovative solutions.