The rehabilitation of existing steel bridges has become a critical issue as transportation networks face the challenges of increased traffic loads. With many bridges reaching the end of their designed lifespan, bridge owners must now contend with the realities of an aging infrastructure and the need to ensure the continued safety and functionality of these crucial transportation links (Spuler T, Moor G, Meng N (2013, January 1) The role of SHM systems in planning bridge renovation works. https://doi.org/10.2749/222137813808627055 ). One key aspect of this challenge is the assessment of bridge condition and load-carrying capacity. Reliable condition assessments are essential to ensure public safety, as well as to prioritize bridges for repair, rehabilitation, and replacement. Researchers have been working to develop methods for improving the accuracy of bridge-capacity evaluation through the use of non-destructive evaluation techniques, which can provide more precise data on the structural integrity of aging bridges. Romania’s extensive railway and road infrastructure includes a significant number of historical steel bridges, many of which were built using riveted construction techniques. These bridges not only serve as critical transportation links but also hold immense cultural and historical value. However, as these structures age, they face numerous challenges, including deterioration, increased maintenance requirements, and the need to accommodate modern traffic demands. The paper aims to present assessment methods for investigating the structural integrity of existing steel bridges and to present some study cases for rehabilitation strategies that consider also the impacts of increased traffic loads.