PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Merrill WI
PERMIT NO 24
3433 Oakwood Hills Pkwy
Eau Claire, WI 54701-7698
Address Service Requested
A LOOK BACK: PROVIDING INSIGHTS IN OREGON – TIME AND TIME AGAIN
Ayres Associates’ inspectors keep a
close eye on Oregon’s bridges.
The Oregon Department of
Transportation first hired Ayres in 2006
to inspect more than 600 local
government bridges in Linn, Polk,
Benton, and Lincoln Counties, south and
west of Salem.
The bridges cross waterways,
highways, and coastal boundaries in
locations ranging from city streets to
dense forests. Each bridge is inspected
every two years in accordance with
National Bridge Inspection Standards
and ODOT guidelines unless conditions
require more frequent checks. The team
inspects and documents deficiencies,
evaluates repairs, and makes
recommendations for repairs.
Inspectors coordinate with ODOT and
local agencies. Inspections are completed
in summer and fall to avoid Oregon’s
rainy season. In the field, inspectors work
10- to 12-hour days and six- to seven-
day weeks. Back in the office, the team
completes detailed reports.
Over the years, the local agencies
have gotten to know Ayres’ inspectors
well, and the inspection teams have
gained valuable knowledge from the
owners. ODOT recently selected Ayres
for a seventh two-year cycle, meaning
the team will be working in Oregon
through at least 2020.
Since 1971, Ayres Associates has
inspected more than 20,000 bridges
(above water and underwater) and
10,750 ancillary structures (overhead
signs and high mast light poles)
throughout the United States.