STAFF REPORT
Operations Committee, November 5, 2009

Municipal Agreement – Biennial Bridge Inspections (EN10-022)
Consideration of entering into a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the biennial bridge inspections
Speaker:  Ms. Kristen Dwiggins

From:  Tim Bailey, P.E., Director of Engineering
Prepared by:  Kristen Dwiggins, P.E., Transportation Engineering Supervisor
Approved by:  Benjamin T. Shivar, Town Manager
Approved by:  Michael J. Bajorek, Assistant Town Manager

Executive Summary:  The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has forwarded a Municipal Agreement to the Town for biennial inspections of municipal bridges within the Town of Cary.  The Town will reimburse to NCDOT 20 percent of the actual cost to inspect bridges located on Town-maintained streets.  Staff recommends entering into the Biennial Bridge Inspections Municipal Agreement with NCDOT.

Background:  In accordance with the Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978, inspections of bridges and culverts which measure twenty feet or more in length are required every two years on all public roadways.  The NCDOT is responsible for the inspection of bridges located on the State maintained system and the Town is responsible for the bridges located on Town-maintained streets. 

Discussion:  Staff has identified 25 bridges and culverts meeting the above criteria for inspection.  The Federal Highway Administration will pay 80 percent of the actual cost of the inspections subject to compliance with all applicable federal policy, procedural rules, and regulations as stated in the Municipal Agreement.  The NCDOT coordinates all work and the Town will be invoiced for the remaining 20 percent of the cost after the work is complete.  The total estimated cost to the Town will be $13,000.  The actual cost will be determined based on fees negotiated between the NCDOT and the qualified private engineering firm who will be performing the work.  The NCDOT expects the work to be complete by July 2010.  The Town has utilized this method on past inspections of bridges.

In 2008, all reported Town-maintained bridges and culverts were rated with a present condition of “good.”  The rating system ranges from the lowest possible rating, “critical,” to the highest possible rating, “good.”

Fiscal Impact:  The total estimated cost to the Town will be $13,000. There is sufficient funding already included in the Engineering budget for this effort.  The cost of any identified repairs, if necessary, will not be known until the inspections are complete.

Staff Recommendation:  Staff recommends entering into the Biennial Bridge Inspections Municipal Agreement with NCDOT.  According to the terms of this agreement, the Town will reimburse the NCDOT 20 percent of the actual cost to inspect the bridges located on Town-maintained streets.