A European Integrated Research Project has recently been started within the 6th Framework Program of the European Commission. The project aims at improved methods for the upgrading of existing railway bridges within the European railway network. The main objectives of the project are to increase the transport capacity by allowing higher axle loads and by increasing the maximum speeds. Other objectives are to increase the residual lifetime of existing bridges and to enhance management, strengthening and repair systems. The overall goal is to enable the delivery of improved capacity without compromising the safety and economy of the working railway. A consortium consisting of railway bridge owners, consultants, contractors, research institutes and universities will carry out the project, having a gross budget of more than 10 million Euros. Funding from the European Commission covers a major portion of the four-year project costs.

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Starting in 2003 the European Union has funded three consecutive research projects dealing with maintenance, life length, capacity and repair/strengthening of railway bridges. The main results are that many bridges are capable of carrying increased loads and can have an increased service life if up to date technologies are used for assessment, monitoring, maintenance and strengthening. In order to obtain good value for the money spent in the projects, it is important to plan, coordinate and manage the projects in an efficient way. Long range projects of four years seem to be more effective than shorter projects of two and three years.

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