A Methodology for Developing a Replacement Strategy for County/City Owned Bridges

There are many factors that should be considered when determining bridge replacement priorities. The initial conclusion is to assume that the condition rating derived from the bridge inspection report would be the most logical resource to use to identify the need. However, these ratings only consider a review of the condition of various components and current standards. There are other aspects that should be considered to facilitate a more comprehensive decision. These aspects would include identification of the local needs, environmental impacts, hydrologic and hydraulic conditions and some measure of risk analysis that incorporates traffic and safety aspects. Because there are limited funds to satisfy these needs, a comprehensive approach to quantify the need and measure against each structure is necessary to provide a more even distribution of funds. By developing minimum standards that would be more practical and appropriate for local application, the resources could be stretched to meet these needs across the state. Research Objectives: The main objectives of this research project are to: Ø Establish a procedure for evaluating the conditions of short span bridges ( less than 20’) Ø Develop a methodology to prioritize the county/city owned bridge replacements across the state of Wyoming. Ø Provide minimum standards that would maximize the limited funding resources so that localities and the state could maximize the benefits of a bridge replacement program