Cost-effective Resilient Rural Bridges –A Case Study of Masonry Stone Arch Bridges in Kasese District, Western Uganda

Climate change poses an increasing threat to Uganda’s road infrastructure, with frequent flooding and bridge washouts making replacement and new constructions costly. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness and climate resilience of stone arch bridges compared to reinforced concrete alternatives. Using a case study approach comprising site visits, stakeholder interviews, structural, construction and maintenance costs analysis, the research highlights the viability of stone arch bridges for rural settings. Findings reveal that stone arch bridges achieve over 79% to 90% initial construction cost savings for short spans and demand significantly less maintenance of 58% life cycle cost for over 30 years in comparison to Reinforced Concrete bridges. While not ideal for long spans or heavy traffic, they excel in low-load rural environments. Key advantages include long-term durability, reduced lifecycle costs and resilience to climate-related stresses. However, their wider adoption is limited by a shortage of trained professionals and the exclusion of stone arch bridge design in engineering curricula. The study recommends integrating this approach into infrastructure policy to enhance rural connectivity and promote sustainable, climate-resilient road construction in rural Uganda and with comparable contexts. Keywords: Rural roads, Masonry stone arch bridges, RC bridges, Cost-effective construction, Climate resilience