Difference between revisions of "Category:760 General Construction Inspection for Structures"

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|'''Forms'''
 
|'''Forms'''
 
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|[[Media:700 Bridge Clearance Report.doc|Bridge Clearance Report Form]]
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|[https://epg.modot.org/forms/CM/Bridge_Clearance_Report_C239A.pdf Bridge Clearance Report Form]
 
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|'''Figures'''
 
|'''Figures'''
 
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|[[Media:760 Typical Computation for Haunch.pdf|Typical Computation for Haunch]]
 
|[[Media:760 Typical Computation for Haunch.pdf|Typical Computation for Haunch]]
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|'''FAQ'''
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|[[media:760.4.2 FAQ 2017.docx|Reporting of Changes to Bridge Clearance FAQs]]
 +
|-
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|'''Video'''
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|-
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|[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=relnppLMLN4&feature=plcp Work crews build a new 670 ft. bridge deck] alongside the existing westbound deck of the Gasconade River Bridge on I-44. Crews use a bridge-jacking technique to slide the 2000-ton new bridge into place.
 
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This section is intended as a guide to adequate and uniform administration of inspection during construction of structures. The specialized structures are not discussed. Sound engineering judgment must be applied to those situations which occur so seldom that it is impractical to consider them in this manual.
+
This article is intended as a guide to adequate and uniform administration of inspection during construction of structures. The specialized structures are not discussed. Sound engineering judgment must be applied to those situations which occur so seldom that it is impractical to consider them in this article.
  
 
Structures include: bridges built of steel, concrete or a combination of both; bridges or
 
Structures include: bridges built of steel, concrete or a combination of both; bridges or
Line 20: Line 28:
  
 
Specifications, plans, and special provisions contain many details which the engineer must
 
Specifications, plans, and special provisions contain many details which the engineer must
check. Such provisions govern if they should conflict with instructions in this manual since the
+
check. Such provisions govern if they should conflict with instructions in this article since this article only supplements design and contract details in a general way.
manual only supplements design and contract details in a general way.
 
  
 
==760.1 Preparation For Inspection==
 
==760.1 Preparation For Inspection==
Line 38: Line 45:
  
 
Following is a list of equipment needed for typical structure inspection. Additional items
 
Following is a list of equipment needed for typical structure inspection. Additional items
necessary for project management are found in other sections of the manual.
+
necessary for project management are found in other sections of the article.
  
 
:l. All plans, specifications, special provisions, right of way plans and agreements, and utility data that apply to the structure.
 
:l. All plans, specifications, special provisions, right of way plans and agreements, and utility data that apply to the structure.
Line 67: Line 74:
  
 
::e. Compressive test machine and capping set.
 
::e. Compressive test machine and capping set.
 +
 +
===Bridge Work Over Traffic===
 +
Bridge work by contractor or MoDOT forces, including erection, rehabilitation, or demolition, should not be allowed over traffic unless a bridge platform protection system is installed below the work area except for work performed above a deck that is intact.  The protection system is necessary to catch falling objects such as tools, overhang brackets or materials.  Lifting of objects that are heavier than the capacity of the bridge protection system should not be allowed.  For example, swinging or setting large objects such as girders and deck panels over traffic should not be allowed even with a bridge protection system in place.
  
 
==760.2 Inspector's Diary==
 
==760.2 Inspector's Diary==
Structure inspectors should keep a daily diary covering all operations. The amount of information to be kept is at the discretion of the resident engineer who must decide how much of
+
Structure inspectors should keep a daily diary covering all operations. The amount of information to be kept is at the discretion of resident engineers who must decide how much of the detailed record will be kept in their own diary. The resident engineer has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining a complete written history of the project, even though delegating portions of the task to others.
the detailed record will be kept in his own diary. The resident engineer has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining a complete written history of the project, even though delegating
 
portions of the task to others.
 
  
 
On a large bridge, such as a major stream crossing, a well organized inspection team is needed. One or more inspectors should be assigned to each major work phase under general supervision of a chief inspector. Typical major work phases are pile driving, substructure inspection, falsework and grades, superstructure forming, painting, slab inspection, and related work. Many phases may be in progress at the same time. The inspectors assigned to any phase will be the best qualified to prepare a detailed record of events concerning their area of responsibility. Their diary should contain considerable detail such as records of all instructions to the contractor's representative, a detailed description of active work in their area of responsibility, and a complete record of any unusual occurrences on the job, such as methods which might affect job quality, unusual storms, abnormally high water, a list of all equipment and manpower, etc. The diary is a history. It should not be confused with field data books for items such as grades, moisture tests, slump, etc., nor should it duplicate this data. Keep entries neat and systematic.
 
On a large bridge, such as a major stream crossing, a well organized inspection team is needed. One or more inspectors should be assigned to each major work phase under general supervision of a chief inspector. Typical major work phases are pile driving, substructure inspection, falsework and grades, superstructure forming, painting, slab inspection, and related work. Many phases may be in progress at the same time. The inspectors assigned to any phase will be the best qualified to prepare a detailed record of events concerning their area of responsibility. Their diary should contain considerable detail such as records of all instructions to the contractor's representative, a detailed description of active work in their area of responsibility, and a complete record of any unusual occurrences on the job, such as methods which might affect job quality, unusual storms, abnormally high water, a list of all equipment and manpower, etc. The diary is a history. It should not be confused with field data books for items such as grades, moisture tests, slump, etc., nor should it duplicate this data. Keep entries neat and systematic.
Line 77: Line 85:
 
==760.3 Staking Structures==
 
==760.3 Staking Structures==
 
===760.3.1 General===
 
===760.3.1 General===
Recommended procedures for staking structures are outlined in [[238.4 Construction Surveying#238.4.1.25 Staking structures|Construction Surveying - Staking Structures]]. The responsible Department personnel shall satisfy themselves by independent check that staking is complete and accurate. Sometimes the bridge survey will have been made so far in advance of construction that radical changes have occurred in stream meander and flow lines. Large changes could affect the position of the bridge relative to the stream bed and nullify information shown on the plans. During staking this should be checked by taking a profile across the stream along the roadway centerline and a stream bed profile approximately 300 feet up and downstream. If large changes are found in either of the above, it may be necessary to shift the structure or revise footing elevations. The data should be sent to the district office for review and for transmittal to the Bridge Division if a design review appears warranted. Once staking is complete and checked, the resident engineer or the chief inspector should review the staking in detail with the contractor's authorized representative to be sure she/he knows the location and purpose of each stake.
+
Recommended procedures for staking structures are outlined in [[238.4 Construction Surveying#238.4.25 Staking structures|Construction Surveying - Staking Structures]]. The responsible MoDOT personnel shall satisfy themselves by independent check that staking is complete and accurate. Sometimes the bridge survey will have been made so far in advance of construction that radical changes have occurred in stream meander and flow lines. Large changes could affect the position of the bridge relative to the stream bed and nullify information shown on the plans. During staking this should be checked by taking a profile across the stream along the roadway centerline and a stream bed profile approximately 300 feet up and downstream. If large changes are found in either of the above, it may be necessary to shift the structure or revise footing elevations. The data should be sent to the district office for review and for transmittal to the Bridge Division if a design review appears warranted. Once staking is complete and checked, the resident engineer or the chief inspector should review the staking in detail with the contractor's authorized representative to be sure the individual knows the location and purpose of each stake.
  
 
===760.3.2 Control Points===
 
===760.3.2 Control Points===
Line 91: Line 99:
 
footings, columns, caps, anchor bolt wells, and bearing devices.
 
footings, columns, caps, anchor bolt wells, and bearing devices.
  
The division of responsibility under which the engineer is responsible for control points (always set on permanently fixed objects) and the contractor for intermediate points (on forms or temporary objects) is established by [http://modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/Sec0105.pdf Sec 105.8] of the Standard Specifications.
+
The division of responsibility under which the engineer is responsible for control points (always set on permanently fixed objects) and the contractor for intermediate points (on forms or temporary objects) is established by [http://www.modot.org/business/standards_and_specs/SpecbookEPG.pdf#page=4 Sec 105.8] of the Standard Specifications.
  
 
==760.4 Vertical Clearance==
 
==760.4 Vertical Clearance==
 
The legal vehicle height in the state of Missouri ranges from 13 ft. 6 in. to 15 ft. 0 in. Any loads over the legal height limit require a permit.
 
The legal vehicle height in the state of Missouri ranges from 13 ft. 6 in. to 15 ft. 0 in. Any loads over the legal height limit require a permit.
  
In order to issue permits for over-height loads, it is important that the department maintain
+
In order to issue permits for over-height loads, it is important that the department maintain current, accurate records of [[:Category:747 Bridge Reports and Layouts#Grades|vertical clearances]] over and under state marked routes.
current, accurate records of [[748.6 Bridge Reports and Layouts#748.6.4.4 Grades|vertical clearances]] over and under state marked routes.
+
 +
===760.4.1 Responsibility===
 +
District personnel shall be responsible for measuring vertical clearances on all bridges over state routes, county roads, city streets and railroads. This includes measuring clearances on new bridges and rehabilitations that are open to traffic and measuring any time the clearance changes due to construction or maintenance projects.  All bridge clearances should be verified every five years.  Transportation Planning is responsible for keeping the master records of vertical clearance measurements, which are used by the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office.
 +
 
 +
===760.4.2 Notification Requirements===
 +
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|-
 +
|[[media:760.4.2 FAQ 2017.docx|Reporting of Changes to Bridge Clearance FAQs]]
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 +
Clearances shall be submitted at the following times:
  
District personnel shall be responsible for measuring vertical clearances on all bridges over state routes, other roadways and railroads. This includes measuring clearances on new bridges that are open to traffic and anytime the clearance changes due to construction or maintenance project. All measurements shall be taken on the roadway surfaces only and not on the shoulders, even though the minimum clearance may be less on the shoulders. Measurement shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction (beam, concrete, light fixture, rivet or bolt head, through truss member, etc.). This clearance shall be measured and rounded down to the nearest inch and [[Media:700 Bridge Clearance Report.doc|reported]] to the Motor Carrier Services [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Overdimension/Overweight Permits office]].
+
:'''1.''' At least two weeks before any change in vertical clearance, district personnel should advise Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Permit Office,  via the BridgeClearanceReport email group, of the projected change in clearance.
 +
:'''2.''' Actual clearances should be measured in the field after any structure is placed across the roadway (including phased construction elements such as girders) or any time the clearance has changed significantly during construction due to setting deck panels, pouring the decks, placing construction forms or falsework, etc. An email should be sent to the BridgeClearanceReport email group.
 +
:'''3.''' The final vertical clearance should be measured and reported  when the vertical clearance  is permanent. A Bridge Clearance Report form (C-239A) should be sent to the BridgeClearanceReport email group.  (See [https://epg.modot.org/forms/CM/Bridge_Clearance_Report_C239A.pdf Bridge Clearance Report Form]).
 +
:'''4.''' Vertical Clearance data that is entered into TMS will be assigned a clearance measurement date, which will be either the actual date it was measured, if known, or the date that the measurement was entered into TMS.  Clearances should be remeasured every five years to ensure that an accurate database of vertical clearance measurements is maintained for the structures.  
  
When placing new steel girders over existing roadways or significantly lowering an existing clearance such as 6 in. overlay, the RE's should advise the Motor Carrier Services Permit Office by Email or letter of the temporary change in clearances. The final vertical clearance should be measured in the field and reported when the project is completed. (See [[Media:700 Bridge Clearance Report.doc|Bridge Clearance Report Form]])
+
===760.4.3 Roadway Measurement Requirements===
 +
Vertical clearance shall be measured on every project. This includes rehabilitation and resurfacing work as well as new construction and any temporary restrictions. Minimum vertical clearance measurements for bridges over state routes, county roads, or city streets shall be taken and reported to Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office via the BridgeClearanceReport email group.
  
===760.4.1 Responsibility===
+
When measuring vertical clearance, the following should be kept in mind:
The Motor Carrier Services [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Overdimension/Overweight Permits office]] and Transportation Planning are responsible for keeping the master records of vertical clearance measurements.
+
 
 +
:'''1.''' All measurements shall be taken on the roadway surfaces only and not on the shoulders, even though the minimum clearance may be less on the shoulders.
  
===760.4.2 Requirements===
+
:'''2.''' One bridge over multiple routes, including ramps, will require a vertical clearance measurement for each route and in each direction of travel.    
Vertical clearance shall be measured on every project. This includes rehabilitation and resurfacing work as well as new construction. Minimum vertical clearance measurements for bridges over state routes and city or county streets shall be taken and [[Media:700 Bridge Clearance Report.doc|reported]] to the Motor Carrier Services [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Overdimension/Overweight Permits office]].
 
  
===760.4.3 Railroads===
+
:'''3.''' Measurement shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction (beam, concrete, light fixture, rivet or bolt head, through truss member, etc.). This clearance shall be measured and rounded down to the nearest inch and reported to Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office via the BridgeClearanceReport email group.
When the rehabilitation or new construction involves a structure over a railroad not only should the vertical clearance be taken, but the horizontal clearances to the nearest obstacle should be taken, also. This horizontal measurement should be taken from a point half way between the two rails of the railroad track to the nearest obstacle. (See [[751.5 Standard Details#751.5.1 Vertical and Horizontal Clearance (**)|Bridge Standard Details - Horizontal and Vertical Clearance]] for more information on measurement). If multiple tracks are located under a structure additional measurements should be taken. This information is not only to be sent to the State Bridge Maintenance Engineer and the [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Overdimension/Overweight Permits office]] but should also be sent to the Railroad Liaison Engineer located in [http://wwwi/intranet/mo/ Multimodal Operations] located in General Headquarters of MoDOT. They will in turn submit the information to the respective railroad company for their information.
 
  
===760.4.4 Measurement===
+
:'''4.''' Measurement information shall include structure identification number, route, and county. Also identify the route and direction over which the structure spans. When several roadways are involved, identify all roadways and structures with the proper clearances. For clarity, a sketch of the structure with measurements shown can be included.
When measuring vertical clearance, the following should be kept in mind:
 
  
1. One bridge over several routes will require several vertical clearance measurements. Over divided highways, a vertical clearance for each direction shall be measured and reported.
+
===760.4.4 Railroad Vertical and Horizontal Clearances===
 +
When the rehabilitation or new construction involves a structure over a railroad not only should the vertical clearance be taken, but the horizontal clearances to the nearest obstacle should also be taken.
  
2a. All measurements for roadways are to be taken on the roadway surfaces only - not on the shoulders. Report actual vertical clearance if 25 ft. or less. If greater than 25 ft., show "25 ft. +" on the report.
+
This horizontal measurement should be taken from a point half way between the two rails of the railroad track to the nearest obstacle. (See [[751.5 Standard Details|Bridge Standard Details - Horizontal and Vertical Clearance]] for more information on measurement.) If multiple tracks are located under a structure additional measurements should be taken. Vertical clearance measurements should be submitted to Transportation Planning on the Bridge Clearance Report form via the BridgeClearanceReport email group. Both vertical and horizontal clearance information should also be sent to the Railroad Projects Manager located in Multimodal Operations at Central Office, who will in turn submit this information to the respective railroad company for their records.  
  
2b. All measurements for railroads are to be taken above the top of the rails and for a width of 12 ft., centered on the rails. Report actual vertical clearance of 23 ft. or less. If greater than 23 ft., show 23 ft. + on the report.
+
When measuring horizontal and vertical clearance, the following should be kept in mind:
  
3. Measurements shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction.
+
:'''1.''' One bridge over several tracks will require several vertical clearance measurements.  
  
4. Measurement information shall include structure identification number, route, and county. Also identify the route over which the structure spans. When several roadways are involved, identify the roadway with the proper clearances. When more than one railroad track is uninvolved, identify each work track with the proper clearance. For clarity, a sketch of the structure with measurements shown can be used.
+
:'''2.''' All measurements for railroads are to be taken above the top of the rails and for a width of 18 ft., centered on the rails. This provides the vertical clearance for the width of a standard rail car plus anything it may be hauling that would extend beyond the sides of the car.  Report actual vertical clearances.
  
5. Horizontal clearances are measured from the center of the track to the nearest lateral obstruction (usually the closest pier) . The minimum clearances are normally shown on the plans and this must be maintained upon completion of the project. The plans should indicate a minimum horizontal clearance for temporary construction. If this information is not indicated on the plans, contact the Railroad Liaison Engineer in Multimodal Operation immediately.
+
:'''3.''' Measurements shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction.  
  
It is important that this information be submitted before the obstructed road is opened to traffic, or within 24 hours of completion if the route was never closed to traffic. Since permits are good for 7 days, a 7 day advance notice to the [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Overdimension/Overweight Permits office]] is required, to avoid having a permit in effect when a clearance changes.
+
:'''4.''' Measurement information shall include structure identification number, route, and county. When more than one railroad track is involved, identify each work track with the proper clearance. For clarity, a sketch of the structure with measurements shown can be included.  
  
===760.4.5 Temporary Restrictions===
+
:'''5.''' Horizontal clearances are measured from the center of the track to the nearest lateral obstruction (usually the closest pier). The minimum clearances are normally shown on the plans and this must be maintained upon completion of the project. The plans should indicate a minimum horizontal clearance for temporary construction. If this information is not indicated on the plans, contact the Rail Projects Manager in Multimodal Operation immediately.
Temporary vertical clearances and lane width restrictions due to construction work are to be reported to the District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer (District Maintenance Engineer) and Motor Carrier Services. Submit this information 7 days prior to the obstruction being put in place. As soon as restrictions are removed notify the operations engineer in charge of maintenance who will advise the [[:Category:945 Overdimension / Overweight Permits|Permits - Overweight/Overdimension section]]. Motor Carrier Services will notify Transportation Planning.
 

Latest revision as of 13:23, 22 October 2021

Forms
Bridge Clearance Report Form
Figures
Typical Computation for Haunch
FAQ
Reporting of Changes to Bridge Clearance FAQs
Video
Work crews build a new 670 ft. bridge deck alongside the existing westbound deck of the Gasconade River Bridge on I-44. Crews use a bridge-jacking technique to slide the 2000-ton new bridge into place.


This article is intended as a guide to adequate and uniform administration of inspection during construction of structures. The specialized structures are not discussed. Sound engineering judgment must be applied to those situations which occur so seldom that it is impractical to consider them in this article.

Structures include: bridges built of steel, concrete or a combination of both; bridges or trestles built of timber; concrete retaining walls, concrete crib-type retaining walls, or metal bintype retaining walls, single to multiple box culverts of concrete, storm drains, and sewers, and structural plate pipe and structural plate pipe-arch culverts.

Inspection work on structures is a great responsibility. The public safety is often at stake. Substandard construction will often lead to excessive maintenance costs.

Specifications, plans, and special provisions contain many details which the engineer must check. Such provisions govern if they should conflict with instructions in this article since this article only supplements design and contract details in a general way.

760.1 Preparation For Inspection

A good inspector will study plans, specifications and special provisions in great detail. If there are questions or an error has been made, immediately consult the resident engineer. The inspector should learn what materials will be used, what samples must be taken, and what on-site tests and measurements must be made. Prepare to answer questions relating to structural plans and specifications at the preconstruction conference. Obtain supplies and equipment needed for the job and check each item carefully to be sure it is in proper working order.

The inspector should carefully examine the site and compare the information on the plans with site conditions. Spot check for any errors. If the structure is a bridge, study physical features that may affect the work and its progress and check seasonal conditions, high water levels, or other conditions that could affect the order in which operations might be performed. For a culvert, the inspector should determine if the site will be properly drained to prevent flooding or damage to the structure during construction.

For all structures, particularly in urban work, the inspector should note the position of all utilities. Check all utility agreements and right-of-way plans to see if utility adjustments clear construction. The district office should be notified of any omission to avoid construction delays.

The inspector should promptly set up the necessary field books so that completed work can be measured and entries made promptly in the proper book or on forms furnished for this purpose.

Following is a list of equipment needed for typical structure inspection. Additional items necessary for project management are found in other sections of the article.

l. All plans, specifications, special provisions, right of way plans and agreements, and utility data that apply to the structure.
2. Survey equipment appropriate to the job.
3. One or more 100 ft. steel tapes, extra plumb bobs, and other equipment necessary for staking the structure.
4. 50 ft. steel tape in case.
5. 6 ft. folding rule.
6. Bound field books for field notes and diaries.
7. Set of current standard drawings applicable to the contract.
8. All necessary standard forms for use on the structure.
9. Equipment for necessary field tests:
a. Compaction test equipment where required.
b. Slump cones and tamping rods.
c. Concrete cylinder molds.
d. Air meters for air-entrained concrete.
e. Compressive test machine and capping set.

Bridge Work Over Traffic

Bridge work by contractor or MoDOT forces, including erection, rehabilitation, or demolition, should not be allowed over traffic unless a bridge platform protection system is installed below the work area except for work performed above a deck that is intact. The protection system is necessary to catch falling objects such as tools, overhang brackets or materials. Lifting of objects that are heavier than the capacity of the bridge protection system should not be allowed. For example, swinging or setting large objects such as girders and deck panels over traffic should not be allowed even with a bridge protection system in place.

760.2 Inspector's Diary

Structure inspectors should keep a daily diary covering all operations. The amount of information to be kept is at the discretion of resident engineers who must decide how much of the detailed record will be kept in their own diary. The resident engineer has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining a complete written history of the project, even though delegating portions of the task to others.

On a large bridge, such as a major stream crossing, a well organized inspection team is needed. One or more inspectors should be assigned to each major work phase under general supervision of a chief inspector. Typical major work phases are pile driving, substructure inspection, falsework and grades, superstructure forming, painting, slab inspection, and related work. Many phases may be in progress at the same time. The inspectors assigned to any phase will be the best qualified to prepare a detailed record of events concerning their area of responsibility. Their diary should contain considerable detail such as records of all instructions to the contractor's representative, a detailed description of active work in their area of responsibility, and a complete record of any unusual occurrences on the job, such as methods which might affect job quality, unusual storms, abnormally high water, a list of all equipment and manpower, etc. The diary is a history. It should not be confused with field data books for items such as grades, moisture tests, slump, etc., nor should it duplicate this data. Keep entries neat and systematic.

760.3 Staking Structures

760.3.1 General

Recommended procedures for staking structures are outlined in Construction Surveying - Staking Structures. The responsible MoDOT personnel shall satisfy themselves by independent check that staking is complete and accurate. Sometimes the bridge survey will have been made so far in advance of construction that radical changes have occurred in stream meander and flow lines. Large changes could affect the position of the bridge relative to the stream bed and nullify information shown on the plans. During staking this should be checked by taking a profile across the stream along the roadway centerline and a stream bed profile approximately 300 feet up and downstream. If large changes are found in either of the above, it may be necessary to shift the structure or revise footing elevations. The data should be sent to the district office for review and for transmittal to the Bridge Division if a design review appears warranted. Once staking is complete and checked, the resident engineer or the chief inspector should review the staking in detail with the contractor's authorized representative to be sure the individual knows the location and purpose of each stake.

760.3.2 Control Points

"Control points" establishing centerline and elevations are responsibilities of MoDOT. Such points should be established by staking methods compatible with instructions in Construction Surveying.

Contractor's forces are responsible for establishing such items as pile position, placing of footing forms and column forms, etc. Once they have done this using control points established by project forces, their request for an independent check should be granted.

As work progresses, it may be necessary to shift control points closer to the work in progress. Typically such points are established on previously completed concrete work such as top of footings or centerline of caps.

Typical items to be checked after the contractor has established their positions are piles, footings, columns, caps, anchor bolt wells, and bearing devices.

The division of responsibility under which the engineer is responsible for control points (always set on permanently fixed objects) and the contractor for intermediate points (on forms or temporary objects) is established by Sec 105.8 of the Standard Specifications.

760.4 Vertical Clearance

The legal vehicle height in the state of Missouri ranges from 13 ft. 6 in. to 15 ft. 0 in. Any loads over the legal height limit require a permit.

In order to issue permits for over-height loads, it is important that the department maintain current, accurate records of vertical clearances over and under state marked routes.

760.4.1 Responsibility

District personnel shall be responsible for measuring vertical clearances on all bridges over state routes, county roads, city streets and railroads. This includes measuring clearances on new bridges and rehabilitations that are open to traffic and measuring any time the clearance changes due to construction or maintenance projects. All bridge clearances should be verified every five years. Transportation Planning is responsible for keeping the master records of vertical clearance measurements, which are used by the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office.

760.4.2 Notification Requirements

Reporting of Changes to Bridge Clearance FAQs

Clearances shall be submitted at the following times:

1. At least two weeks before any change in vertical clearance, district personnel should advise Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Permit Office, via the BridgeClearanceReport email group, of the projected change in clearance.
2. Actual clearances should be measured in the field after any structure is placed across the roadway (including phased construction elements such as girders) or any time the clearance has changed significantly during construction due to setting deck panels, pouring the decks, placing construction forms or falsework, etc. An email should be sent to the BridgeClearanceReport email group.
3. The final vertical clearance should be measured and reported when the vertical clearance is permanent. A Bridge Clearance Report form (C-239A) should be sent to the BridgeClearanceReport email group. (See Bridge Clearance Report Form).
4. Vertical Clearance data that is entered into TMS will be assigned a clearance measurement date, which will be either the actual date it was measured, if known, or the date that the measurement was entered into TMS. Clearances should be remeasured every five years to ensure that an accurate database of vertical clearance measurements is maintained for the structures.

760.4.3 Roadway Measurement Requirements

Vertical clearance shall be measured on every project. This includes rehabilitation and resurfacing work as well as new construction and any temporary restrictions. Minimum vertical clearance measurements for bridges over state routes, county roads, or city streets shall be taken and reported to Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office via the BridgeClearanceReport email group.

When measuring vertical clearance, the following should be kept in mind:

1. All measurements shall be taken on the roadway surfaces only and not on the shoulders, even though the minimum clearance may be less on the shoulders.
2. One bridge over multiple routes, including ramps, will require a vertical clearance measurement for each route and in each direction of travel.
3. Measurement shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction (beam, concrete, light fixture, rivet or bolt head, through truss member, etc.). This clearance shall be measured and rounded down to the nearest inch and reported to Transportation Planning and the Motor Carrier Services Oversize/Overweight Permits office via the BridgeClearanceReport email group.
4. Measurement information shall include structure identification number, route, and county. Also identify the route and direction over which the structure spans. When several roadways are involved, identify all roadways and structures with the proper clearances. For clarity, a sketch of the structure with measurements shown can be included.

760.4.4 Railroad Vertical and Horizontal Clearances

When the rehabilitation or new construction involves a structure over a railroad not only should the vertical clearance be taken, but the horizontal clearances to the nearest obstacle should also be taken.

This horizontal measurement should be taken from a point half way between the two rails of the railroad track to the nearest obstacle. (See Bridge Standard Details - Horizontal and Vertical Clearance for more information on measurement.) If multiple tracks are located under a structure additional measurements should be taken. Vertical clearance measurements should be submitted to Transportation Planning on the Bridge Clearance Report form via the BridgeClearanceReport email group. Both vertical and horizontal clearance information should also be sent to the Railroad Projects Manager located in Multimodal Operations at Central Office, who will in turn submit this information to the respective railroad company for their records.

When measuring horizontal and vertical clearance, the following should be kept in mind:

1. One bridge over several tracks will require several vertical clearance measurements.
2. All measurements for railroads are to be taken above the top of the rails and for a width of 18 ft., centered on the rails. This provides the vertical clearance for the width of a standard rail car plus anything it may be hauling that would extend beyond the sides of the car. Report actual vertical clearances.
3. Measurements shall be made from the bottom of the lowest obstruction.
4. Measurement information shall include structure identification number, route, and county. When more than one railroad track is involved, identify each work track with the proper clearance. For clarity, a sketch of the structure with measurements shown can be included.
5. Horizontal clearances are measured from the center of the track to the nearest lateral obstruction (usually the closest pier). The minimum clearances are normally shown on the plans and this must be maintained upon completion of the project. The plans should indicate a minimum horizontal clearance for temporary construction. If this information is not indicated on the plans, contact the Rail Projects Manager in Multimodal Operation immediately.