Procedures for Closing an Off-System Bridge

If inspection reveals deterioration that affects an off-system bridge’s ability to safely carry vehicular traffic, the department may use the following procedure to recommend that it be closed for safety reasons:
Recommending Off-System Bridge Closures
Step
Responsible Party
Action
1
Consultant/ District/BRG
Inspector immediately notifies the District and the Inspection Branch of the Bridge Division if a bridge should be closed based on the results of an inspection.
2
District
Immediate review is required. The district will verify conditions as soon as possible to confirm the recommendation for closure by a consultant.
3
District
The District will immediately notify the local entity of a valid closure recommendation, and offer to meet representatives of the local entity at the bridge location. The District will inform the local entity that its participation in the TxDOT Participation Waived and Equivalent Match Program depends on full compliance with departmental closure and posting recommendations and that failure to follow closure recommendations could result in the loss of federal funds. The District will promptly update the Bridge Inspection Management System to reflect the closure recommendation. [See Item 41 (SNBI: B.PS.01) in the Coding Guide.]"
NOTE
: TxDOT will not conduct another formal inspection of the bridge until it is repaired or replaced.
4
Local Entity
Close the bridge and notify the District when the bridge is closed to traffic.
5
District
Verify closure of the bridge upon receipt of notification and include a photo or certified documentation verifying the closure in the bridge inspection file. Promptly update the Bridge Inspection Management System to reflect the closure status of the bridge. [See Item 41 (SNBI: B.PS.01) in the Coding Guide."]
6
District
If the bridge will remain closed for an extended period of time, the district will verify and document with photos, uploaded into the Bridge Inspection Management System, that the bridge is still closed to traffic as part of the regular inspection cycle.