Category talk:Better Roads, Brighter Future

Vertical Clearance and Depth Transitions

In this section it states, "Maintain a standard vertical clearance under bridges with standard vertical clearances." The link that this goes to is for bridge vertical clearances for new construction. Since the Better/Brighter projects are resurfacing I do not believe that this is the clearance that we want to use. It has always been my understanding that the minimum vertical clearance for new construction had built in extra clearance to provide for future resurfacing projects but I can't find where it states this number. On several bridges I have looked at it is possible to overlay the road and not require a height restriction sign but it reduces the clearance below the minimum vertical clearnce identified for new construction. Or is this section simply saying maintain the existing clearance in which case we need to coldmill under the bridge or replace the pavement.

Dan Tschirgi: The existing clearance must be maintained whether currently substandard or standard. Discussion is underway that may lead to clarification of this guidance in the near future.

Vertical Clearance and Depth Transitions

The note "Use 1 in. in 50 ft. [Pavement Depth Transition]" The link for the pavement depth transition is to the Special Sheets. Currently, there are no special sheets showing this drawing at this location. Further below under the PLANS DEVELOPMENT section, "Widening and Resurfacing" is linked to figure D71. This drawing shows the depth transition as 1 to 1200 (1"=100'). This can be misleading as to what needs to be used.

Dan Tschirgi: A 1 in. in 50 ft. (1:600) depth transition is used for Better Roads, Brighter Future projects, so the link to the special sheets has been removed and the link in the Plans Development section to the D71 sheet has been changed to the Vertical Clearance and Depth Transition section of the article. Thanks for pointing out the discrepancy.