Bridge services
We monitor and enforce the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of local agency structures based on federal standards.
Guidance manuals
- LAG Manual chapter 34 - Local Bridge Program (PDF 667KB) - requirements for local bridge inspection programs and for selecting bridge projects to be funded using federal funds.
- Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual (WSBIM) - specific guidance, technical details and an informational source to both state and local agency staff related to bridge inspections within the state of Washington.
Federal guidance manuals
- FHWA Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM) (PDF 153MB) - a comprehensive manual on programs, procedures, and techniques for the inspection and evaluation of in-service highway bridges.
- National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) - national standards for the proper safety inspection and evaluation of bridges.
Forms
- WSDOT Bridge/Tunnel Inspector Experience and Training Record (PDF 102KB) - WSDOT form 234-100 - the user will need to submit a completed form to the Local Agency Bridge Engineer in order to qualify as a Certified Team Leader as defined in Chapters 1 and 7 of the Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual.
- Critical Damage Bridge Repair Report (CDBRR) (DOCX 54KB) - the user will need to submit a completed form to the Local Agency Bridge Engineer anytime a bridge is closed or partially closed to traffic due to a structural related deficiency or any other safety related issue. The form is then submitted to FHWA as defined in Chapter 6 the Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual.
- Scour Inspection Form (PDF 40KB) - the user will utilize this form to document the upstream cross-section of any water channel that intersects the bridge being inspected. The information contained on this form is required by the National Bridge Inspection Standards and is defined in Chapter 3 of the Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual.
Bridge classes offered by local programs
Courses and description for bridge training classes that are regularly offered each year by Local Programs Bridge Services.
View and sign up for current available training.
Bridge Condition Inspection Update (BCIU)
Offered: Yearly, in or around February
Description: Participants will discuss the latest Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual, BridgeWorks.Net bridge inspection software, bridge file records, bridge funding and other important bridge program issues.
Bridge Condition Inspection Fundamentals (BCIF)
Offered: Yearly, in or around February
Description: Provide basic knowledge of bridge condition inspection, construction materials, material properties, bridge components and nomenclatures, loadings, stresses and strains, and deterioration of bridge materials and members.
Bridge Condition Inspection Training (BCIT)
Offered: Yearly, in or around March
Description: This two-week course is based on the FHWA “Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual” and will provide extensive training on the condition inspection of in-service bridges. Satisfactory completion of this course will fulfill the training requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS)
Bridge Inventory Coding
Offered: Yearly, in or around January
Description: This course is designed to provide knowledge of the requirements for the correct coding of bridges contained in the National Bridge Inventory.
Slow down on ice and snow.
It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.
Carry chains, practice installing them.
Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.
Pack your winter car kit.
Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.