Risk and Resilience for Bridges and Civil Structures

At WSP, our teams utilize their expert bridge engineering knowledge to understand, evaluate and treat bridges’ vulnerabilities, assisting our clients to effectively manage their risks and improve the resilience of bridges and civil structures.

Expertise Insights Projects Services Platforms FAQ

Our approach to the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities aims at improving structure’s resilience and reducing risk at both individual structure and portfolio level.

Assessing critical vulnerabilities

Our experts carry out detailed screenings of asset stocks based on typical characteristics and specific detailing. Once identified, we create strategies to address these vulnerabilities systematically and cost effectively.

WSP have been hugely influential in the development of best-practice guidance and in-practice application of Trigger Action Response Plans (or TARPs) for bridges. A key innovation that WSP have been developing in this space is Canary, our Infrastructure Risk Asset System. This digital system helps asset owners proactively manage risk to their assets and networks.

Browse featured projects

Virginia, USA

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.

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.

West Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Sea-to-Sky Highway

Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement - An award winning Improvement project which provided $131 million in benefits to the community, including training and employment for many Indigenous workers, and recreational trail improvements along the highway

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.

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.

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.

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.

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Allegiant Stadium

The new home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders features elegant lighting throughout the facility, designed by WSP USA’s lighting design team.

Helsinki, Finland

Build it and they will come

WSP carried out the construction design of the Kaisantunneli – a pedestrian and bicycling tunnel passing under the railway yard at Helsinki's main railway station, as well as the underground Bicycle Parking associated with the tunnel. In addition, we were responsible for the construction design of the tunnel entrances and street areas opening to Kansalaistori square and Kaisaniemi park. The tunnel connects the city center divided by the railway yard with a pedestrian path and bicycle lane, and provides bicycle connection parking under train platforms.

Antioquia, Colombia

Toyo Tunnel

WSP contributed its experience to the largest tunnel project in America part of the megaproject of 18 tunnels, 30 bridges and 17 kilometers of open-air roads in Colombia.

Digital platforms

Our digital platforms perform a critical role in underpinning our advice and services. These world-leading tools allow us to collaborate across design teams, as well as with clients and the communities they serve; ultimately delivering stronger designs and advice.

DiBAM

Digital tool for bridge asset management and urgent response.

WSP’s DiBAM is a digital asset management tool that helps owners and operators develop long-term plans and access the data needed for urgent response.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What does risk and resilience mean for bridge and civil structure assets?

Risk and resilience focus on understanding vulnerabilities, anticipating potential hazards, and ensuring bridges and civil structures can withstand, adapt to, and recover quickly from disruptive events such as extreme weather, deterioration, accidents, or operational failures.

How does WSP identify vulnerabilities in bridge networks?

WSP conducts structured screenings of bridge and civil structure portfolios using asset characteristics, design details, condition data, and exposure to hazards. This enables us to identify critical vulnerabilities at both individual asset and network levels and prioritize mitigation actions.

How are risks assessed at both asset and portfolio levels?

Our approach combines engineering judgement, data-driven analysis, and digital tools to assess risk across entire asset portfolios. This allows clients to compare risks, allocate resources efficiently, and develop cost-effective resilience strategies that support long-term network performance.

What are Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs), and how does WSP apply them?

Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) define clear thresholds, actions, and responsibilities when asset conditions or external factors reach predefined risk levels. WSP has played a leading role in developing best-practice TARPs, helping bridge owners respond proactively to emerging risks and avoid unplanned disruptions.

How does digital technology support risk management and resilience?

WSP leverages digital solutions such as Canary, our Infrastructure Risk Asset System, to support proactive risk management. Canary helps asset owners monitor conditions, manage vulnerabilities, and make informed decisions to protect bridge networks and improve resilience.

Risk and Resilience for Bridges and Civil Structures

Assessing critical vulnerabilities

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

Four factors driving innovation in asset management

Bridging the gap between risk and resilience

Building for a Changing Climate: A Data-Driven Approach to Infrastructure Resilience

Elevating Bridge Asset Management

Disaster-resilient infrastructure demands smarter design

Browse featured projects