Discovery of Flammable Materials Below Bridges

Bridge Inspectors are to report flammable material stored or accumulated under bridges as a Priority Level 2 Follow-up Action Recommendation. FHWA has directed states to treat the discovery of materials, including flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials, stored in the right of way (ROW) underneath bridges that are of concern, as in inspection critical finding requiring immediate follow-up action. There will be a need for use of judgement as to the risk to the bridge. Things to consider are the volume of the debris, the type of debris, the proximity of the material to the substructure and/or the bottom of the superstructure, etc. When the conditions are such that an apparent immediate threat to public safety exists, inspectors are to report such findings as an inspection critical finding.