SUMMARY

Project Name: Bridge Inspections

Department: Public Works Department

Start Date: 7/01/2023

End Date: Ongoing

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The State, under the National Bridge Inspection System (NBIS) program, mandates bridge field inspections and reporting on most of the city maintained structures. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) requires these bridge inspection reports on numerous structures throughout the City to be submitted bi-annually and in some cases annually. The city's inspection program has been in place since the early 1980's and includes a variety of structure types, within various environments, like steep wooded terrains which convey live streams. These inspections often require specialized equipment for access, sampling of materials and testing. State requirements for more detailed reviews of fractured critical bridge elements, load ratings and vertical clearances, have increased in both complexity and the total number of inspections per year.

RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN:

Chapter 6 : Transportation

Goal 3. Efficient Mobility and Access

Maintain a safe and efficient transportation system to provide mobility and access.

Goal 6. Regional Transportation

Continue to work with appropriate governing bodies to create a robust regional multimodal transportation network.

Goal 8. Infrastructure Funding

Identify and seek new sources of sustainable funding mechanisms for the maintenance of existing multimodal infrastructure and facilities and future development of the transportation system

PROJECT OBJECTIVES / STATUS:

Objectives: Conduct Federally mandated bridge inspections

Status: The current structure list includes 49+ bridges, pedestrian bridges, box culverts, railroad vertical clearances and several overhead message signs. Other city structures like the pedestrian bridges on the citywide trail system, are also inspected with the same reporting system.