The Bridge Maintenance and Improvement Program (BMIP) goal is to address bridge condition needs through systematic preventive maintenance to reduce life-cycle costs as well as through rehabilitation. In order to maximize the useful life of a bridge, a systematic approach for maintenance and improvement is integral to make bridge asset management effective in reducing overall life-cycle costs across the inventory.

The BMIP will improve physical conditions (not functionality) of on-system bridges by addressing all deficiencies that could limit its serviceability or longevity through continued and accelerated deterioration. Through effective preventive maintenance actions, the service life of bridges addressed by the program could be extended a minimum of 25 years, with only routine maintenance needed for the next 10 years.