ARRA Project (WBS)#: LDRBC0250000

Project Title: Load Rated Bridge Evaluations

Index Map Locator #: 32

State: Oregon

Unit: BLM - State Office

Description:

This project consists of evaluating the structural engineering of all Oregon BLM bridges (primarily in Western Oregon) currently load rated by the Federal Highway Administration. These bridges are load rated below state legal limits for typical log truck configurations in normal operating conditions. In some cases the load rating is below original log truck design criteria for the structure (36 tons). Also, state load limits were raised in the 1990s and some bridges are now below that revised limit (40 tons). This necessitates that permits be issued for each bridge and activity that is subjecting the bridge to loads above the rated limits.

Recovery Act Funding:

This project will begin with the highest priority bridges identified thus far and will continue throughout the next inspection cycle as additional bridges are submitted for analysis.

Benefits:

The evaluations by the engineers will include recommendations on repair and/or replacement options to meet state legal load limits in the future without requiring permits. Bridges requiring replacement on collector roads with the most traffic will be conceptually designed to expedite the replacement process through the BLM's deferred maintenance program.