BRIDGE INSPECTIONS

House Bill 4455 as passed by the House

Sponsor:  Rep. Ben Glardon

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 9-9-15                                                        (Enacted as Public Act 16 of 2016)

REVISED SUMMARY:

Under the Public Act 354 of 1925, the Michigan Department of Transportation is required "to institute a systematic plan of biennial inspection [every two years] of all bridges under its jurisdiction."

House Bill 4455 would rewrite this section of the act to say that the Department of Transportation "shall institute and implement a federally compliant and risk-based inspection plan for all bridges under its jurisdiction."  (The bolded text is the proposed new language.) Public Act 354 of 1925 is an act that deals with the construction, improvement, repair, and maintenance of bridges and culverts.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Michigan Department of Transportation indicated that it requested this amendment to Public Act 354 of 1925 in response to an audit of the department's Bridge Inspection Program by the Michigan Office of Auditor General (OAG Report 591-0169-14, dated March, 2015). The audit had recommended that the department "consider seeking amendatory legislation to establish risk-based bridge inspection frequencies." This change would allow the department to extend bridge inspection frequencies for bridges or bridge types deemed low-risk.  The department proposes extending the bridge inspection frequency for low-risk bridges up to 48 months.

The department also indicated that efficiencies resulting from the propose change would not reduce department expenditures, but would allow the department to reallocate resources to provide increased inspections of higher risk bridges, including bridges under the jurisdiction of local road agencies.  The department indicates this proposed change will require the approval of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

POSITIONS:

The Department of Transportation testified in support of the bill. (5-5-15)

The Michigan Municipal League supports the bill. (5-5-15)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.