Many bridges in North America have deteriorated at an alarming rate. Much of this the result of exposure to de-icing chemicals and continual freeze-thaw cycling. Corrosion of structural and reinforcing steel and deterioration of concrete often goes unnoticed until effective repair becomes impractical.
Once the situation gets out of hand a Municipality can quickly find itself in crisis mode, always trying to catch up. That is often when the worst decisions are made - reactive responses become the norm and conditions worsen.
There is only way out of this dilemma - application of effective bridge management principles.