Questions and Answers on the National Bridge Inspection Standards, 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart C
Except for any cited statutes or regulations, the contents of these Q&As do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. These Q&As are intended only to provide information regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
650.315 Inventory
Q315-1 Are State transportation departments required to maintain an inventory of federally or tribally owned bridges in their State? (Updated 3/01/2023)
A315-1 No, FHWA does not require that States collect, report, or retain Federal agency or Tribal government bridge information.
Q315-2 What is the intent of requiring State transportation departments, Federal agencies, and Tribal governments to incorporate the latest inspection information or changes in bridge status into their databases within 3 months after the month the field portion of an inspection is completed, a bridge opens to traffic, or a load restriction or closure status change? What is the significance of the time period? (Updated 3/01/2023)
A315-2 2 Up-to-date information is vital to the program oversight, management, and stewardship for the State and FHWA. It is also important that FHWA have current information because this data is used to 1) track bridge performance measures, 2) provide reports to Congress, and 3) make critical decisions regarding the bridge program. Longer timeframes could impact the program since data is collected only once a year by FHWA.
Q315-3 When do owners have to submit inventory data for temporary bridges? (New 3/01/2023)
A315-3 According to 23 CFR 650.315(a), owners are only required to submit inventory data to the NBI for a temporary bridge once it has been open to traffic greater than 24 months. This is not to be confused with the requirements of 23 CFR 650.303, which make temporary bridges open to traffic subject to the NBIS, and 23 CFR 650.313(b) which requires the initial inspection of a temporary bridge as soon as practical, but within 3 months of the bridge opening to traffic and establishes the timeline for all other types of inspections, load rating, and other actions that may be required for the bridge.