Section 14: Critical Findings

Overview

Critical Findings are defined in the NBIS as “a structural or safety related deficiency that requires immediate action to ensure public safety.” FHWA has minimum criteria on deficiencies that qualify as a critical finding. Deficiencies include, but are not limited to scour, damage, corrosion, section loss, settlement, cracking, deflection, distortion, delamination, loss of bearing, and any condition posing an imminent threat to public safety. At a minimum, include findings which warrant the following:
  • Full or partial closure of any bridge
  • Condition rating of 3 or less for NSTM Inspection Condition [B.C.14]
  • Condition rating of 2 or less for any one of Items 58 [B.C.01] (Deck), 59 [B.C.02] (Superstructure), 60 [B.C.03] (Substructure), or 62 [B.C.04] (Culvert)
  • A coding of 2 or less for Item 113 [B.C.11] (Scour Critical Bridges) or 61 [B.C.09] (Channel Protection)
  • Immediate load restriction or posting, or immediate repair work to a bridge, including shoring, in order for the bridge to remain open
  • Missing vertical clearance signs for which the
    signed
     clearance should be 14’-6” or less, or any sign that displays a negative clearance tolerance. (No other clearance sign situations constitute a Critical Finding.)
  • Any condition at a bridge that creates an imminent threat to the traveling public
Beyond immediate actions required to address safety concerns (e.g., full or partial closure), TxDOT will develop a plan for corrective actions, such as permanent repair, for on-system bridges within 30 days of a critical finding notification. This is not meant to imply that all actions will be completed within 30 days. Rather, the appropriate action will depend on the specific situation.
TxDOT uses the Maintenance Module to track Critical Findings. The applicable section of the follow-up action (FUA) should be updated until the critical finding is fully resolved.
Bridge Division reports the status of Critical Findings to FHWA monthly and will notify FHWA within 24 hours of discovery of each critical finding on the National Highway System (NHS).
The Critical Finding report must identify the:
  • Owner
  • NBI Structure Number
  • Date of finding
  • Description and photos (if available) of critical finding
  • Description of completed, temporary and/or planned corrective actions to address critical finding
  • Status of corrective actions: Active/Completed
  • Estimated date of completion if corrective actions are active
  • Date of completion if corrective actions are completed
The general process for reporting, reviewing, and monitoring critical findings is:
  • Bridge Inspectors Notify District Bridge Inspection Coordinator of Critical Findings.
    • An automated email is generated and sent to district (bridge and maintenance staff) and BRG when the FUA passes from Open to District Bridge Review workflow stage in Maintenance Module.
  • District Bridge reviews critical findings when received to confirm the defect meets the criteria for a critical finding.
  • District Bridge updates Maintenance Module to indicate what immediate response is being taken (cones, barricades, lane closures). If the bridge is a locally owned bridge, update Maintenance Module with notification, and efforts to communicate with local governments.
  • District Bridge staff monitor critical findings and update Maintenance Module until a permanent solution is in place (when the critical finding is fully resolved). Depending on severity, frequent updates or follow-up with local governments may be warranted.
    • Add notes as temporary measures are made.
    • Add notes on plans for permanent repairs (including dates and status)
  • Close out FUA when fully resolved.