south and to the west of Salem , the capital city .
The structures traverse waterways , highways , and coastal boundaries with some in larger metropolitan areas and others hidden in dense forests . Each bridge is inspected every two years , unless conditions require more frequent checks . Bridges range from small singlespan structures and culverts to historic covered bridges and large multi-span river crossings that require special access equipment .
Inspections include visual and arms-length ( closeup ) assessments of each structure , documenting deficiencies , evaluating previous repairs , and recommending repairs . All reporting is completed in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards and ODOT ’ s guidelines . Data for each bridge is entered and inventoried through ODOT ’ s database and subsequently uploaded to Federal Highway Administration databases twice a year – spring and fall – to ensure compliance .
“ Since my involvement began in the bridge inspection industry , the Oregon DOT has been one of the agencies at the forefront of developing and sharing best bridge inspection practices , and as structural inspectors , we appreciate that ,” Maslyn said . One
such example , he said , is that ODOT is one of just a few agencies in the nation using the new American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials element reporting method , which all states will adopt eventually .
Steve Tuttle , who recently retired as ODOT ’ s local agency bridge inspection coordinator after 31 years , was on the selection committee that originally hired Ayres Associates . He said the firm ’ s inspectors have provided exemplary service .
“ I think one of the things for Ayres and the inspectors from Ayres that has kind of set them apart from some of the other consultants is their willingness to work longer hours , to have longer duration of their travel dates . That makes for a lot more efficiency ,” Tuttle said . “ So even though they may be located in Florida , when they do come out here they ’ re working long hours , sometimes six or seven days a week . As a
Left : Maslyn takes measurements of discoloration on a bridge . Upper center : Assistant inspector Brendon Quinton drills into a timber piling to test its stability . Upper right : Maslyn takes a brief rest while observing the substructure of a bridge . Bottom right and next page : Several bridges over water require use of an under bridge inspection vehicle .
14│TRENDS