Step 1: Research Bridge Conditions and Impact
The team partners with counties to collect and organize qualitative data about bridge conditions, including bridge type, size, locations, load ratings, and environmental impacts. This includes conducting surveys to collect qualitative data on how bridges impact critical services or economic vitality and verifying and validating data.
Step 2: Set Priorities
The team weighs quantitative and qualitative data to prioritize bridge improvements.
Step 3: Identify Repair or Replacement Projects
The team defines projects to address priority bridges and identifies where projects for multiple bridges can be bundled or grouped for cost-effectiveness. The team shares priorities and recommended projects with counties and other stakeholders in clear, visual reports and an interactive tool.
Step 4: Funding Opportunities
The team identifies grants and other funding opportunities for the construction of Off-System bridge projects and bundles.
MDT will repeat these steps on an ongoing basis to monitor bridge conditions and update recommendations for bridge owners.
Throughout this process, MDT will engage in ongoing stakeholder and public involvement, connecting with counties and key stakeholders, providing educational opportunities for the public.
MDT has developed a process and schedule to evaluate Off-System bridges. This process will be used and refined on a reoccurring basis.
The following steps are involved in the evaluation process:
Establishing county priorities involves collaborating with local officials to identify priorities. The project team will reach out to counties periodically to understand a bridge’s importance relative to local and regional transportation and economic impacts.
Objective based evaluation involves evaluating bridges based on their physical condition and ability to adequately serve the travelling public. An objective, data-based score is assigned to each bridge to assist in determining replacement and repair schedules.
Identifying repair or replacement projects involves determining suitable short-term actions for each bridge where feasible. Some bridges could benefit from quick repairs or actions to temporarily extend bridge life, including but not limited to installing culverts, low water crossings, and one-lane adjustments. Bridges that require more effort, such as total replacement, will be prioritized based on county input and data-based evaluation. An interactive map has been created so counties can look up individual bridges to understand current conditions and assess their bridge inventory.
Identifying grants and other funding opportunities will be considered by MDT and the project team. Grants and other funding opportunities that can be used to construct Off-System bridges and bundled projects will be researched and categorized.