This review was conducted as part of an NSRP project which examines relationships between road system performance, asset features, and asset condition. The literature available through ROAD, IRRD, and TRIS was examined in order to establish the nature of the relationship between road crashes and bridges and culverts. The reliability of previous research is addressed, as is the applicability of this research to Australian conditions. Recommendations are made on the basis of the evidence presented. Findings suggest that the most significant factor that contributes to bridge and culvert related crashes is the width of the structure, whether absolute width, lane width or relative width. Bridges built before design standards were upgraded also pose a significant safety risk. Widening is considered the best safety treatment at narrow bridges and culverts. Where this is not possible, structural countermeasures can be installed to reduce the severity of crashes that occur, and approach related countermeasures have the potential to reduce the frequency of crashes at these locations. (A)
Abstract