A system and method provides for repair/reconstruction of bridge and culvert constructions. Geosynthetically confined soils are used in combination with soil nails. The soil nails provide additional tensile strength below the areas reinforced with the geosynthetically confined soils. The soil nails may include both horizontal and vertical soil nails. Various forms of vertical tensioning support can be provided to include soil nails, micro-piles, sheet piling, and the like. The confined soils are installed at locations under and adjacent to the man made constructions, and can be provided in both symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations. For bridge constructions, the confined soils may be installed at a desired depth under the bridge girders, and under other primary support members of the bridge. Horizontal nails may be installed under and adjacent to the confined soils. According to the method, incremental excavation can take place so that the manmade construction being repaired may remain partially open to accommodate public travel or other intended uses, thereby limiting the impact of the repair/reconstruction effort.