With climate change exerting new and increasing demands on road and bridge networks, future economic analyses for transport projects should take a broader perspective in calculating economic benefits. The economic analysis for this project compared with-project and without-project scenarios to derive its economic benefits. The definition of the with-project scenario assumed time and vehicle operating cost savings from less traffic congestion and improved traffic flow. The benefits from less congestion accounted for 93% of the total net benefits. However, the economic impact of the project went beyond travel time and included outcomes that are not captured by the design and monitoring framework. Unaccounted for in the economic analysis were the facts that (i) the existing single-lane Bailey bridges had not been able to service demand adequately, (ii) the project replaced deteriorating infrastructure with resilient infrastructure (e.g., raising roads in anticipation of increased rainfall), and (iii) road safety was improved with improved bridge approaches.
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project