Mexico’s serious bridge condition problem

Mexico has a serious problem with regard to the condition of thousands of bridges in the country. According to Mexico’s general road maintenance authority (DGCC), 2014 bridges in the country are in a very poor condition. A further 3,673 bridges require attention and just 38% of the nation’s vehicle bridges are considered in suitable condition. More worryingly still, local authorities have generally only carried out visual inspection work of existing bridges to assess their condition. Proper structural stu
September 6, 2019 Read time: 1 min

Mexico has a serious problem with regard to the condition of thousands of bridges in the country. According to Mexico’s general road maintenance authority (DGCC), 2014 bridges in the country are in a very poor condition. A further 3,673 bridges require attention and just 38% of the nation’s vehicle bridges are considered in suitable condition.

More worryingly still, local authorities have generally only carried out visual inspection work of existing bridges to assess their condition. Proper structural studies have not been carried out and some of those thought to be in need of attention may well be in worse condition than has so far been recognised. Full studies on bridge condition have not been carried out since 2017 due to a lack of funds. In Tabasco State, Veracruz State and Tamaulipas State there are 150 bridges known to be in particularly poor condition and that require immediate attention.

Road Structures

Related Content

  • Purple haze – the exhaust debate
    May 25, 2016
    Following in the wake of the VW diesel engine emissions scandal, serious questions are finally being asked with regard to exhaust pollution. Car manufacturers have published data on the emissions from their vehicles for many years, but there has been a widespread scepticism as to how these figures have been achieved. The issue of claimed road vehicle exhaust emissions is a case of smoke and mirrors.
    Read More
  • UK's roads deteriorate?
    March 2, 2012
    The latest data available from the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) shows a worrying decrease in road quality across the country.
    Read More
  • Mexico’s new highway for Oaxaca
    May 3, 2023
    Mexico’s Oaxaca State is to benefit from a major new highway link – Mauro Nogarin and Mike Woof report
    Read More
  • Concern over condition of US bridges
    July 5, 2019
    A new report from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), highlighting the poor condition of many US bridges, is nothing less than a national scandal. According to ARTBA’s report, 47,052 US bridges are in poor condition, while 18,842 Interstate highway bridges have identifiable repair needs. The length of America’s structurally deficient bridges if placed end-to-end would span nearly 1,760km, ARTBA’s examination of federal government data shows. The Brooklyn (NY), Arlington M
    Read More

Highlighted Content