Bridges, roadways threatened by changes in weather patterns
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Canadian highways, bridges, and tunnels are under increasing pressure due to extreme weather conditions and aging infrastructure. Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a framework to help prioritize infrastructure interventions and repairs under limited budgets.
Canada's transportation networks are facing threats from extreme weather conditions and aging infrastructure. Many bridges and tunnels are almost 100 years old and were not designed for current traffic demands or evolving climate conditions. Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a data-driven decision-support framework to help agencies prioritize repairs. The framework uses readily available inspection and operational data to support rapid and informed decision-making. The study found that over 40% of highway bridges in Canada were constructed before 1940 and are in poor condition. The estimated cost of repairs across Canada could reach hundreds of billions of dollars. The researchers developed a bridge screening index using structural, operational, and community factors. This index allows each bridge to be assigned a score, enabling agencies to prioritize repairs based on safety, performance, and socio-economic impacts. The framework is designed to help agencies make transparent, data-informed decisions to prioritize inspections and repairs. This will help ensure the safety and reliability of Canada's transportation networks.
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