Rehabilitation and Replacement of Bridge Decks

Consistent with the program direction established in legislation and the Federal Highway Administration's interest in reducing structural deficiencies, the rehabilitation or replacement of structurally deficient bridge decks (those with National Bridge Inventory Item 58 - Deck ≤ 4) is eligible for Highway Bridge Program (HBP) funding. Such bridge work is to be considered rehabilitation under the HBP regardless of the bridge's sufficiency rating. The 10-year rule will not prevent a current structurally deficient deck from being replaced or rehabilitated; however, once the deck has been replaced or rehabilitated, the 10-year rule will apply.

Eligibility of structurally deficient bridge decks does not relieve the bridge owner of the need to perform other work required to restore the structural integrity of a bridge or work necessary to correct safety deficiencies. Bridges to be rehabilitated must, as a minimum, conform to the provisions of 23 CFR Part 625, Design Standards for Highways, for the class of highway on which the bridge is a part.

Deck rehabilitation or replacement projects should be identified systematically, in conjunction with a comprehensive bridge management system, in order to make the most effective use of HBP and other bridge funds. An overall balanced program that considers major rehabilitation, replacements, deck rehabilitation and replacement, along with maintenance and preservation activities should be the ultimate goal.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Tom Everett at 202-366-4675, or Thomas.everett@dot.gov.

cc:
Division Bridge Engineers
Resource Center Director