Memorandum
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

Some concern has been brought to our attention regarding Attachment A of Mr. Willett's February 5, 1990, memorandum on "Compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards." Attachment A calls for the number of bridges on the master list needing underwater inspection. The underwater criteria for inclusion of bridges on the master list is interpreted as:

The master list of bridges needing underwater inspection is for those bridges requiring special manpower, techniques or equipment for determining the condition of underwater element with certainty. The list would not include bridges that can be examined from above by wading, probing or adequate visual inspection.

These criteria satisfy the intent of the FHWA's Technical Advisory, T 5140.21 "Revisions to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS)," Section 5.c. (1).

Should you have any questions, please contact the Bridge Management Branch, (HNG-33) at FTS 366-4617

Stanley Gordon