SERVICE OVERVIEW
TPD has completed over 2,300 bridge inspections for PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, local government bridge owners, and private clients in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). We have performed routine (periodic) NBIS inspections, interim (special) inspections (including fracture critical member inspections), and in-depth inspections for detailed structural evaluation and rehabilitation.
All of our inspectors are PennDOT Certified Bridge Safety Inspectors (CBSI), and 94% of our inspectors are Professional Engineers or Engineers-in-Training with experience in bridge analysis, design, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Our inspectors have inspected a wide variety of bridge sizes ranging from small, confined space pipes and culverts, to large multi-span structures. Bridge types have included historic steel trusses, prestressed beam bridges, steel beam bridges, authentic historic wooden covered bridges, concrete and steel culverts, and masonry and concrete arches.
As bridge engineers, our inspectors understand bridge behavior and can recognize serious conditions observed during inspections. Particular attention is directed toward critical areas such as load postings, safety features, steel corrosion, and scour conditions. NSTM bridge members receive close hands-on inspection, documentation, and evaluation. Inspection findings, including photographs and load rating analyses, are provided to the bridge owner in a detailed inspection report.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Agreement E04623 – Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS) NBIS Bridge Inspections (PennDOT D5-0): TPD is performing NBIS, interim and problem area bridge inspections and load rating analyses for 247 bridges owned by Lehigh and Northampton counties and 32 different municipalities. The bridges range in length from 20’ to 444’.
Agreement E05246 – NBIS Bridge Inspections including PennDOT/AASHTO Element Bridge Safety Inspection (Statewide, PA): As a subconsultant for this Open End agreement, TPD has inspected 33 state-owned bridges across Pennsylvania, including 14 NSTM bridges.
Agreement E05461 – NBIS Bridge Inspections including PennDOT/AASHTO Element Bridge Safety Inspection (Statewide, PA): As a subconsultant for this Open End agreement, TPD has inspected 69 state-owned across Pennsylvania, including 11 NSTM bridges.
Agreement E04571 – Chester County NBIS Bridge Inspections (PennDOT D6-0): Over a 5 year period, TPD has completed 328 routine NBIS and interim bridge inspections of 128 state-owned bridges.
Agreement E02410 – Montgomery County Bridge Inspections (PennDOT D6-0): Over a four (4) year period, TPD completed 312 routine bridge inspections of 208 state-owned bridges under 20’ span, including 16 bridges classified as permit required confined spaces.
Agreement E03553 – Chester County Bridge Inspections (PennDOT D6-0): TPD completed a 5-year agreement to perform routine bridge inspections of 251 state-owned bridges under 20’ span.
Chester County Bridge Local Bridge Inspections (Chester County): Over a 5½ year period, TPD completed 327 NBIS routine and interim inspections of 94 county-owned bridges.
Keim Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River (Montgomery and Chester Counties, PA): TPD completed the emergency in-depth inspection of a 749’ long, eight-span pony truss bridge after it was closed following a routine inspection.
Berks County NBIS Bridge Inspections (PennDOT D5-0): TPD completed the routine NBIS inspection of four (4) large state-owned bridges ranging in length from 204’ to 563’.
PTC Open End Bridge Inspections (PTC): TPD inspected 21 bridges and developed Rehabilitation Plans for seven bridges over and on the Turnpike Mainline.
Lancaster County Bridge Inspections (Lancaster County, PA): As a subconsultant to the County Engineer since 2013, TPD continues to perform routine NBIS and interim bridge inspections, and load rating analyses for 64 bridges owned by Lancaster County.
South Coventry Township Bridge Safety Inspection (Chester County, PA): TPD completed the inspection of six (6) Township-owned bridges.
Penn Township Bridge Inspections (Lancaster County, PA): TPD completed the inspection of 19 Township-owned bridges, followed by an evaluation and prioritization of maintenance, repair, and replacement recommendations to initiate a long-term bridge management program for the Township.
Caln Township Bridge Inspections (Chester County, PA): TPD completed the inspection of two (2) Township-owned bridges in accordance with NBIS and PennDOT practices.