The Impact of Load Rating Methods on Federal Bridge Program Funding
FHWA May 2005 (revised February 2006)

Attachment 2: Basic method for determining if a structure is deficient.
Non-Regulatory Supplement for subpart 650, subpart D

HIGHWAY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM (23 CFR 650.409). The National Bridge Inventory will be used for preparing the selection list of bridges both on and off of Federal-aid highways. Highway bridges considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and with a sufficiency rating of 80 or less will be used for the selection list. Those bridges appearing on the list with a sufficiency rating of less than 50.0 will be eligible for replacement or rehabilitation while those with a sufficiency rating of 80.0 or less will be eligible for rehabilitation. To be considered for the classification of deficient bridge, a structure must be of bridge length, and had not been constructed or had major reconstruction within the past 10 years.

General Qualifications: In order to be considered for either the structurally deficient or functionally obsolete classification a highway bridge must meet the following:

Structurally Deficient -

• A condition rating of 4 or less for
  • Item 58 - Deck; or
  • Item 59 - Superstructures; or
  • Item 60 - Substructures; or
  • Item 62 - Culvert and Retaining Walls.¹
• Or an appraisal rating of 2 or less for
  • Item 67 - Structural Condition; or
  • Item 71 - Waterway Adequacy.²

Functionally Obsolete -

• An appraisal rating of 3 or less for
  • Item 68 - Deck Geometry; or
  • Item 69 - Underclearances;³ or
  • Item 72 - Approach Roadway Alignment.
• Or an appraisal rating of 3 for
  • Item 67 - Structural Condition; or
  • Item 71 - Waterway Adequacy.²

Any bridge classified as structurally deficient is excluded from the functionally obsolete category.

Foot Notes

1. Item 62 applies only if the last digit of Item 43 is coded 19.
2. Item 71 applies only if the last digit of Item 42 is coded 0, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
3. Item 69 applies only if the last digit of Item 42 is coded 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 or 8.