Bridges and Civil Structures

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Since the beginning of modern civilization, bridges have provided both iconic images and vital transportation routes that have helped to connect our world. From early designs using natural resources, to modern engineering techniques and advances in building materials, bridge design and construction has evolved in unison with the increasing demands of humankind.

Today’s bridges have become lifelines for major cities, and transportation agencies face a myriad of challenges to optimize the flow of goods and people. They have to consider how to ensure operability of aging structures, how to plan, finance and construct modern replacements that improve accessibility. So, solutions to the challenges posed by bridges are essential to social and economic development.

WSP’s expertise extends to all types of bridges and civil structures, from viaducts and interchanges, to road, railway and pedestrian bridges, and even wildlife crossings. Our services are comprehensive, ranging from feasibility studies and environmental permitting, through preliminary and final bridge design, to construction management and inspection. We offer specialized expertise, such as seismic retrofit and rehabilitation design, in addition to overall program management on and other roles where we can be a trusted advisor on behalf of an owner. Our experience includes working with all types of common materials such as steel, concrete and timber, as well as state-of the-art thermoplastic and FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) bridges.

Our assignments range in size and scope from simple studies and assessments to complex multi-billion-dollar multidisciplinary efforts—and in every case we are committed to responding to our clients’ needs with cost-effective, sustainable solutions that promote safe and efficient travel.

What’s happening

Find out how we’re helping our clients explore new approaches and discover new possibilities.

Four factors driving innovation in asset management

With infrastructure owners facing challenges ranging from climate change to financial pressures, digital technology can help manage assets more effectively and efficiently.

Accessing the Right Data to Reduce Carbon in Bridge Design

Facilitating an effective feedback loop for continuous improvement

Bridge Carbon Management: Accelerating Progress

Advancing current practice on the journey of decarbonization

Can your assets withstand the storm? Why climate resilience can’t wait

How can you maintain the safety and availability of complex assets like road networks in a changing climate? Miranda Osmelak and Alex Corker from WSP’s Asset Management team discuss the challenges and opportunities.

WSP Bridges to Prosperity - Nyakabungo Suspension Bridge

In 2025, our dedicated WSP volunteers completed the construction of the Nyakabungo Suspension Bridge, a life-changing connection for more than 3,400 residents across the communities surrounding the Musogoro River in Rwanda. This new trail bridge will provide safe, year-round access to schools, healthcare, markets, and essential resources, breaking the cycle of isolation and opening the door to opportunity for generations to come.

Bukoro Suspended Trail Bridge: WSP-Bridges to Prosperity 2024

WSP-Bridges to Prosperity 2023: Ruhondo Trail Bridge

WSP Positively impacting communities for generations - Rwanda project

Watch past event recordings

Snack & Learn Webinar - Modular Offsite Bridge Substructures

Snack & Learn Webinar - The Future of Digital Bridge Asset Management

Snack & Learn Webinar - Development of a novel corrosion prevention method for hidden internal steelwork in bridges

Snack & Learn Webinar - The Hunter Harrison Memorial Bridge: A New Pedestrian Bridge at the University of Memphis

Snack & Learn Webinar - Helderfontein Pedestrian Bridge, Johannesburg, South Africa

Snack & Learn Webinar - Structural Retrofitting for the Nyamlel Bridge, South Sudan

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Browse featured projects

Projects

Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project

This multi-billion-dollar expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is the largest highway construction project in Virginia’s history.

thn-Sound-Transits-Link-2-Line-Extension

Seattle, Washington, USA

The Crosslake Connection - Sound Transit’s Link 2 Line Extension

The world’s first light rail crossing a floating bridge will transform regional mobility across Lake Washington in metropolitan Seattle.

Brisbane, Australia

Kangaroo Point Bridge

This new active transport bridge over the Brisbane River is greatly improving walking, wheeling, and riding connections between the Brisbane Central Business District, Kangaroo Point, and the Eastern Suburbs.

Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Mimiha Stream Bridge Replacement

The Mimiha Stream Bridge Replacement project is a powerful example of how infrastructure can serve as a bridge—both literally and figuratively—between people, place, and purpose.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Bath Street Watercourse

This complex and high-risk, multi-disciplinary project involved critical repairs and upgrades to essential water infrastructure in the Bath Street area. The project required close coordination between public and private stakeholders and showcased advanced engineering solutions to address aging infrastructure in a densely developed urban environment.

A picture of herring bridge in Great Yarmouth in the United Kingdom which crosses a river. It has two leaves which open in the middle to allow boats to pass.

England, UK

Herring Bridge: opening a new chapter for Great Yarmouth

Our multidisciplinary expertise and partnership approach helped take Great Yarmouth’s new river crossing – a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project – from inception to successful completion in just seven years.

Parainen

Kirjalansalmi Bridge: Finland’s Largest Span

WSP has prepared the general and construction plans for the Kirjalansalmi Bridge as well as the road plans for the Kirjalansalmi and Hessundinsalmi bridges. The two new bridges replace aging infrastructure and provide smooth and safe traffic flow.

Sydney, Australia

WestConnex M4-M5 Link Rozelle Interchange

Improving motorway access and connections to Western Sydney is critical to support the city’s long-term economic and population growth.

New South Wales, Australia

Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade

WSP is working in joint venture with Laing O’Rourke as Pacific Complete in the role of delivery partner on Woolgoolga to Ballina, which is part of the largest regional infrastructure project in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

What types of bridges and civil structures does WSP design and manage?

WSP provides expertise across all types of bridges and civil structures, including viaducts, interchanges, road, railway, pedestrian, and wildlife crossings. We work with a wide range of materials, from steel, concrete, aluminium and timber, to advanced thermoplastic and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) bridges.

What bridge engineering services does WSP offer?

Our services cover the entire lifecycle of a bridge project, including:

Feasibility studies and environmental permitting
Preliminary, tender, and detailed bridge design
Construction management and oversight
Bridge inspection, asset management, and rehabilitation
Seismic retrofitting and climate-resilient design
Digitalization, including Digital Twins and BIM integration
Strategic advisory, funding, and financing support

How does WSP incorporate sustainability and climate adaptation in bridges?

Our team applies digital engineering, material optimization, and life-cycle assessments to reduce carbon emissions, improve environmental performance, and enhance resilience. We design bridges to withstand extreme weather, flood events, and other climate-related impacts while supporting net-zero carbon goals.

How does digitalization enhance bridge design, operation, and management?

WSP integrates digital tools such as BIM, Digital Twins, IoT sensors, and predictive maintenance platforms to streamline decision-making, optimize asset performance, and reduce maintenance costs. Digital solutions also enable better visualization, communication with stakeholders, and monitoring of bridge performance throughout its lifecycle.

Can WSP assist with construction methods and modern project delivery approaches?

Yes. WSP leverages Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite construction, design for manufacture and assembly, and digital delivery, to accelerate schedules, improve safety, and enhance quality on bridge projects of all sizes.

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Bridges and Civil Structures

Bridges and Civil Structures

Personal information

Professional information

Project details

Personal information

Professional information

Project details

What’s happening

Four factors driving innovation in asset management

Accessing the Right Data to Reduce Carbon in Bridge Design

Bridge Carbon Management: Accelerating Progress

Can your assets withstand the storm? Why climate resilience can’t wait

WSP Bridges to Prosperity - Nyakabungo Suspension Bridge

Watch past event recordings

Browse featured projects

Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project