Inventory & Inspection

This program manages and administers the Bridge Inspection Program for statewide local government entities to ensure compliance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations. Bridges are required to be inspected on a 2-year cycle with the exception of some reinforced concrete box culverts that meet specific criteria and are on a 4-year cycle. Federal Bridge Replacement funds are used to pay for 80% of this service. The responsibilities include:

• Contracting with Consulting Engineering firms to perform bridge inspections for approximately 4,050 bridges for counties, cities, and GF&P.
• Reviewing the bridge inspection data and incorporating it into the PONTIS Bridge Management System. The National Bridge Inventory items are then submitted to FHWA in Washington DC on an annual basis.
• Prepare and submit annual structure summary reports to the local government entities.

Useful Websites:

• FHWA Bridge Technology
• FHWA National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS)
• FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI)
• FHWA Bridge Preservation Guide

Inspection Process:

• As bridges get older they do wear out and deteriorate, therefore the SDDOT is aggressive about inspection and maintenance of all state owned bridges.

• South Dakota's bridges are managed and inspected in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. Inspections for SDDOT owned bridges are conducted by department staff.

• Currently 98.4% of the state-owned bridges in South Dakota are in fair or better condition. We have concerns as our bridges age considering the majority of state-owned bridges are at least 50 years old. The high percentage of bridges in good and fair condition is an indicator that our bridges are generally safe and well maintained. Bridge condition is one tool used by the South Dakota Department of Transportation to manage the state’s bridge inventory but isn’t used as the sole means of determining bridge structural status or overall safety.

• All bridges, state and local, are required by the Federal Government to be inspected at least every two years, except where federal exceptions are granted. The South Dakota Department of Transportation provides annual inspections for the majority of our Missouri River highway crossings and a few other critical bridges.

• Some less critical structures are on a 48-month inspection cycle as approved by the FHWA. Underwater inspections take place on State bridges every five years.

• In general, staff inspect guardrails, bridge rails, bridge decks, superstructure, substructure, erosion, and foundation elements.

• When it is determined that a need exists, a corrective plan of action is developed appropriate to that need, which may include, but not be limited to, reducing load limits, replacing rail, resurfacing deck, and replacing structural elements.

• Local governments are responsible for the management of bridges on their inventory.

• While there are needs that are identified by our inspection process, this does not mean that any of our bridges are in danger of failing. The needs are assessed and the load carrying capacity is evaluated. If necessary, load limits are reduced and monitored, and/or traffic redirected as necessary until the need is addressed.