What is the primary function of a bridge in civil engineering?

The primary function of a bridge in civil engineering is to span obstacles and facilitate transportation. Bridges are designed to connect two points over a physical barrier, such as a river, valley, or road, enabling the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and sometimes trains. Their primary purpose is to enhance connectivity and improve the efficiency of transport networks by allowing safe passage over obstacles that would otherwise impede movement.

While providing aesthetic value can be an important aspect of bridge design, it is secondary to the fundamental purpose of enabling transport. Similarly, though reducing environmental impact is a consideration in engineering practices, it is not the primary function of bridges themselves. Enhancing local traffic flow is also a benefit of bridges, but it is more of a byproduct of their main role in spanning obstacles rather than their primary purpose. Therefore, the option that most accurately captures the essential role of a bridge in civil engineering is its function to span obstacles to facilitate transportation.