Bridge Program: Overview
The primary goal of the Department of Transportation and Engineering is to provide for the safety and mobility of the traveling public. Structural Engineering's primary goal is to preserve the structural integrity of all bridges for which it has maintenance responsibility.
The ODOT Bridge Inspection Manual defines a bridge as "Any structure, including supports, of 10 feet or more clear span or 10 feet or more in diameter on, above, or below a highway.
In conformance with state law, every bridge in Cincinnati is inspected on an annual basis.
Bridges that are part of the Interstate and State Highway System, including most City streets and rail lines over these routes, are inspected and maintained by ODOT. Consequently, DOTE Bridge Program personnel do not inspect these bridges.
Excepting interstate highway bridges and bridges carrying state or federal routes -- which are inspected by ODOT -- DOTE Bridge Program personnel annually inspect every bridge in Cincinnati that supports a public roadway or crosses over or under a public roadway.
Objectives
Locate and determine the extent of any structural weaknesses or damage so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken to ensure public safety.
Provide a current information base on the condition of bridges within Cincinnati so that maintenance, repair, and replacement projects can be programmed efficiently.
Satisfy state and federal laws and regulations.
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