Section 3: Bridge Cost Information Review
Guidelines for BCI Screen Entry
Cost estimates for bridge and bridge-class culvert work are shown on the TxDOTCONNECT Location tab, Proposed Bridge window corresponding with BCI on DCIS P4 screen. The Bridge Cost Information data is used to determine the cost per square foot (unit cost) of the bridge. This information is also used to determine the unit cost for a particular type of bridge, which is used by bridge designers to select the type of superstructure most economical for a particular location, and to prepare estimates for similar bridge projects.
As mentioned above, the Bridge Cost Information is important data that is used to ensure bridge funding and provide good estimates for funding allocations; therefore, it is important that the Bridge Cost Information data is accurate. For more detailed information about how to enter this data, please use the pertinent memoranda on the internal Bridge Division Bridge Management web page
The following information is required on the Proposed Bridge and subsequently BCI screen for all bridge projects:
- Type of bridge work (replacement, new, widening, rehabilitation, maintenance, repair, and removal)
- Permanent Structure Number (PSN), commonly referred to as the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) number. Include the existing (old) NBI for replacement projects.
- On or off state system
- Type of bridge
- Deck area
- Cost percentage
- Bridge length
Detailed step-by-step instructions can be found on the internal Bridge Division Bridge Management web page.
Assessment of Bridge-Class Structure Deck Area
Enter the deck area into the mainframe Bridge Cost Information estimate for every bridge-class structure. TxDOT must be able to calculate the unit price of various bridge-class structures in order to seek adequate reimbursement from FHWA. To achieve this accuracy, BRG has developed a uniform method for all District to follow when calculating the deck area (sq. ft.) of a bridge-class structure. These instructions demonstrate how to enter the bridge deck area into the Bridge Cost Information (BCI), card type 12, so that only the relevant bridge item costs are attributed to the bridge portion of the project.
Examples of bridge deck calculations are available on the Bridge Division’s internal Bridge Management web page.
Roadway Items Excluded from Bridge Item Estimate
To calculate the unit cost of a bridge project accurately, the bid items need to be divided in the appropriate manner. FHWA provides the proper breakout of bridge items from roadway items at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nbi/uc_criteria.pdf
Do not include the following items in the bridge item section of the estimate:
- Mobilization
- Demolition of existing structure (Item 496)
- Bridge approach slabs (only include in the bridge items if the approach slab is integral with the abutment)
- Stream channel work such as riprap, slope paving
- Earthwork relating to channel excavation
- Clearing and grubbing
- Retaining walls not attached to, or not for the protection of, the abutments
- Guardrail transitions to bridges
- Maintenance and protection of traffic
- Detour costs
- Signing and marking
- Lighting
- Electrical Conduit
- Inlet frames and grates
- Field office
- Construction engineering items
- Training
- Right-of-way
- Utility relocations
- Contingencies Include the following item with the bridge items section of the estimate:
Include the following item with the bridge items section of the estimate:
- Riprap if needed for abutment protectiononly
The most current federal requirements can be found also on the Bridge Division internal Bridge Management web page.
If you need assistance accessing any of the internal website documents referenced in this chapter, please contact the District with which you are working, or the Bridge Division Bridge Management Section.