Oregon Department of Transportation Bridge Inspections

For six consecutive two-year cycles, the Oregon Department of Transportation has chosen Ayres to inspect its local agency bridges in Area 3. The more than 6,000 bridges in the Department’s inventory include flat slab, multi-beam, arch, and truss bridges constructed of timber, concrete, and steel. All bridges are inspected every two years to assess their safety. During each two-year cycle, Ayres performs more than 600 local government bridge inspections in the Salem area (Area 3).

The routine inspection services include field inspection of each structure, documentation of deficiencies, evaluation of previous repairs, and recommendations for future repairs. Field work includes timber borings and updating of channel cross-section data. Reporting in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) is done through Pontis.

Project challenges include scheduling restrictions and other logistical issues. Crews need to schedule inspections during the dry season to avoid filled or flooded creeks. Ayres coordinates with local bridge owners to ensure they have opportunities to participate in inspections. This has been helpful in providing cost-effective recommendations for corrective actions. Additional project challenges include the use of special access equipment for high-level access or where hands-on access is required.

For each bridge the inspection and report identify the condition and rating of National Bridge Elements (NBE), Bridge Management Elements (BME) and Agency Developed Elements (ADE).

• Rick Maslyn, Supervisor - Structural Inspection

• Routine Bridge