Category:772 Bridge Inspections

All span type and culvert type bridges over 20 feet in length shall be inspected every two years. The following bridges will be inspected annually:

1. Span-type bridges with the deck, superstructure or substructure rated in poor or worse condition (condition 4 rating or less).

2. Culvert-type bridges rated in poor or worse condition (condition 4 rating or less).

3. Structures with timber structural members (sub-structural, super-structural, or decks) that are not included in the other criteria.

The bridge inspection frequency for a particular structure can be set at time intervals ranging from monthly to every six months if the bridge inspection staff feel that additional monitoring of the structure is required to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

These inspections will primarily be performed by a team comprised of the District Bridge Engineer over the region and a Central Office bridge maintenance inspector. In some cases, either one of these may conduct inspections with the assistance of district personnel knowledgeable in maintenance and bridges. Bridge-like structures less than 20 ft. - 00 in. shall be the responsibility of the district to inspect and maintain. Maintenance charges for these structures shall be charged to the roadway.

Bridges jointly maintained with neighboring states shall be inspected in accordance with the "Maintenance Agreements" in effect. The inspection will be done by representatives from Missouri (from both the district and Central Office bridge maintenance) and representatives from the neighboring state.

The district will inspect any affected structures following any unusual occurrence such as fire, flood, overloading, collision, or damage of any type. Any damage occurring to a bridge superstructure or substructure shall immediately be reported to the Maintenance Division. On evenings, weekends and holidays the State Bridge Maintenance Engineer shall be contacted when a bridge emergency occurs.

The guidelines set forth in the Bridge Inspection Rating shall be used when assigning rating and appraisal values to the corresponding items for bridges and culverts. The inspections shall address the items on the "Bridge Inspection Reports" and "Culverts Inspection Reports", generated by TMS. All inspections shall be thorough and complete so that all needed maintenance and repair work may be identified. The individual in charge of the inspection shall meet the qualifications spelled out in the National Bridge Inspection Standards.

Fracture critical, in-depth, underwater, and other special inspections shall be identified and noted on the "Bridge Inspection Reports." Central Office bridge maintenance inspection crews shall be responsible for performing these inspections within the specified time interval. Central Office bridge maintenance personnel will perform quality assurance inspections on an annual basis.