MPC
Project Details

Title:	Bridge Structure Alternatives for Local Roads
Principal Investigators:	Allen L. Jones
University:	South Dakota State University
Status:	Completed
Year:	2013
Grant #:	DTRT12-G-UTC08 (SAFETEA-LU Extension)
Project #:	MPC-443
RH Display ID:	150825
Keywords:	bridges, construction projects, federal government, life cycle costing, load limits, regulations

Abstract

South Dakota local governments own 1,959 bridges 40 feet or less in length and nearly half need replacement soon. The South Dakota Department of Transportation's (SDDOT) Local Government Assistance office provides local government access to federal funding, technical expertise, and administrative assistance with bridge replacement projects, but current funding limits only allow assistance with approximately 30 bridge replacements statewide per year. Local government bridge replacement projects funded with federal aid must comply with current SDDOT design standards and federal regulations. Some federal requirements significantly increase a project's construction time and cost, but if federal funds are not used, short span bridge projects could waive some requirements and potentially have significantly lower cost without compromising safety, structural capacity, or durability.

Due to current federal funding limitations and increasing replacement needs, local governments are forced to make selective replacement decisions and delay many other bridge replacements by imposing load limits and closing bridges. Once the Local Government Assistance office has helped program a local bridge in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, there is up to a ten year wait before a bridge will be replaced. Many bridges cannot wait for replacement without forcing local government decision makers to post load limits or close bridges. Local governments have an immediate need for low life-cycle cost bridge replacement alternatives.

Knowledge of available alternatives and construction planning processes could enable South Dakota local governments to replace more structurally deficient local bridges with limited funds. Research is needed to develop guidance identifying applicable South Dakota local government bridge construction techniques, materials, and construction planning and administration process requirements to enable South Dakota local governments to more efficiently and cost effectively replace short span bridges.

Project Deliverables

• [Final Report] Bridge Structure Alternatives for Local Roads — MPC-21-433
  • View Research Brief

Project Word Files

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