The value of the global bridge construction projects pipeline has grown to $375bn according to a report by GlobalData.

The total in 2024 is marginally higher than the pipeline value identified in Q4 2023,  and is being driven by a expansion in transport infrastructure investment across major markets.

Planned public spending on such projects could be impacted by elevated government debt levels, reducing headroom for supply-side investment.

While high materials prices, rising labour costs and skill shortages, along with high interest rates present additional downside risks to project developments.

North America accounts for the largest share of global value, with a pipeline valued at $117.9bn. The bridge project pipeline in South-East Asia is the second highest, with a total of $55.5bn, ahead of North-East Asia with a pipeline value of $41.8bn. In Western Europe, the pipeline currently stands at a value of $37.3bn. In the Middle East, the pipeline is valued at $24.6bn.

The global bridge projects pipeline is skewed towards projects in the later stages of development, with the combined value of projects in the pre-execution and execution stages accounting for $253.6bn of global pipeline value, equating to a 67.6% share.

Assuming all projects in the pipeline proceed according to their schedules and spending is distributed evenly across the execution stages, annual pipeline expenditure will reach $59.2bn in 2025. According to the available data currently in the pipeline, as tracked by GlobalData, and assuming all projects are completed as planned, a total of 1,959.2 km of new and upgraded bridges will be built globally.