Transport infrastructure is vital for the European society and essential for a vibrant economy, territorial cohesion and social well-being. Many bridges and tunnels in the Trans-European Transport Network present structural deficiencies or are reaching the end of their design life. These problems are aggravated by reduced maintenance activities due to recurrent cuts in public budgets. Therefore, massive strategic investment is needed to complete missing links and to modernise transport infrastructure. This report presents a literature review on the structural and operational challenges facing bridges and tunnels in the Trans-European Transport Network with a focus on risks that may affect these structures. All components of risk assessment, i.e. hazard, exposure and vulnerability, are covered. The report addresses weather-related (floods, extreme heat, extreme precipitation, droughts, wildfires, high humidity, sea-level rise, heavy winds, extreme cold), geological (earthquakes, landslides, liquefaction), hydrological and fire risks, as well as the impact of climate change. It also includes a brief review of case studies and research projects in order to identify knowledge gaps. The work presented in this report will support future activities aiming to provide technical and scientific advice for the assessment of rail and road bridges and tunnels of the Trans-European Transport Network and in the prioritisation and planning of upgrading measures.

ATHANASOPOULOU Adamantia;  GERLI Stefania;  POLO LOPEZ Cristina Silvia;  SCIARRETTA Francesca;  TSIONIS Georgios; 

2026-06-15

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC146525

978-92-68-39927-9 (online),   

1831-9424 (online),   

EUR 40727,    OP KJ-01-26-223-EN-N (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146525,   

10.2760/5446491 (online),