23 U.S.C. § 151 : US Code - Section 151: National bridge inspection program

Search 23 U.S.C. § 151 : US Code - Section 151: National bridge inspection program

(a) National Bridge Inspection Standards. - The Secretary, in
consultation with the State transportation departments and
interested and knowledgeable private organizations and individuals,
shall establish national bridge inspection standards for the proper
safety inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges.
(b) Minimum Requirements of Inspection Standards. - The standards
established under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum -
(1) specify, in detail, the method by which such inspections
shall be carried out by the States;
(2) establish the maximum time period between inspections;
(3) establish the qualification for those charged with carrying
out the inspections;
(4) require each State to maintain and make available to the
Secretary upon request -
(A) written reports on the results of highway bridge
inspections together with notations of any action taken
pursuant to the findings of such inspections; and
(B) current inventory data for all highway bridges reflecting
the findings of the most recent highway bridge inspections
conducted; and
(5) establish a procedure for national certification of highway
bridge inspectors.
(c) Training Program for Bridge Inspectors. - The Secretary, in
cooperation with the State transportation departments, shall
establish a program designed to train appropriate governmental
employees to carry out highway bridge inspections. Such training
program shall be revised from time to time to take into account new
and improved techniques.
(d) Availability of Funds. - To carry out this section, the
Secretary may use funds made available pursuant to the provisions
of section 104(a), section 502, and section 144 of this title.