Challenges in Conducting Bridge Inspections

Overview

Bridges play a very special role in improving a country’s economy. Bridges play a crucial role in land transportation infrastructure by bridging gaps and connecting otherwise inaccessible points. There are so many bridges in the United States. Some bridges are very impressive and some requires repair. United Bridge Partners is one of the top private bridge infrastructure companies that provides private bridge capital for solving infrastructure crisis.

The maintenance, inspection, and repair of the numerous public bridges situated throughout the United States fall under the purview of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) enforce regulations for maintaining bridges, stipulating that inspections must be conducted every 24 months.

Costly Equipment

The process of inspecting bridges can be hindered by the need for costly equipment. While certain bridges can be inspected using basic tools and on-foot inspections, others require more specialized resources. Additionally, suspension rigs or under-bridge-inspection-trucks (UBITs) are indispensable for assessing the condition of the underside of large bridges. Watercraft, large lights, scaffolding, and electronic equipment may also be required.

Lane Closures and Traffic Disruptions

The location and design of a bridge may require rerouting or temporarily halting traffic to facilitate a thorough inspection. This can result in delays, complaints, or potential traffic risks. Effective traffic control measures often involve coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Strict Regulations

Bridge inspection procedures are influenced by different regulations. The inspections need to be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the migratory and nesting periods of endangered and protected birds.