Bridge Inspection Consulting Firm
The safety of highway bridges in Texas depends on the effective management of approximately 56,000 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). TxDOT does not employ the required personnel to perform the inspection of such a vast inventory. It therefore contracts with private engineering consulting firms for inspection services. Consulting Firm bridge inspectors are responsible for:
- performing bridge inspections (routine, NSTM, underwater, or bridges with complex features),
- performing load ratings
- generating the documentation associated with the inspections performed through their services,
- providing recommended follow up actions for bridge maintenance
- inputting information directly into the Bridge Inspection Management System, and
- implementing the Consulting Firm’s QC Program.
A Consulting Firm directly hired by TxDOT through a contract to perform bridge inspections is identified as the Prime Consultant.
A Sub-Consultant is an extension of the Prime Consultant’s workforce. Staff from a SubConsulting Firm performs the same services for the State as staff from the Prime Consulting Firm. Staff from the Prime Consulting and Sub-Consulting Firms are held to the same ethical and quality standards as TxDOT personnel while performing inspection work.