DOT Secretary Asks Inspector General to Review the National Bridge Inspection Program

August 2, 2007 -- In response to the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has requested the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General to conduct a rigorous assessment of the National Bridge Inspection Program. In addition, the Secretary called on all states to immediately inspect any steel deck truss bridges similar to the I-35 bridge that collapsed.

The Secretary called for the Inspector General to determine if the current federal program delivers the highest level of bridge safety. And, if needed, the Inspector General will make recommendations for future changes to the program.

According to Federal Highway Administration data, there are 756 of the relatively unique steel deck truss bridges in the United States.

The Federal Highway Administration issued the guidance to all state transportation agencies and bridge owners strongly advising them to conduct an inspection or, at minimum, review inspection reports to determine if further action is needed.