The Lafayette bridge currently undergoes an in-depth, annual bridge inspection using special procedures for inspecting fracture critical bridges.
The investigation was prompted by anonymous reports to City Council investigators that the bridge inspections were not being performed properly.
Aside from seasonal vegetation control and occasional graffiti removal, the viaduct requires no regular maintenance other than periodic bridge inspections from Amtrak.
Like most city bridges, it received a rating of "fair" in recent bridge inspections.
Within days, bridge inspections were stepped up throughout the United States.
This announcement came upon the findings of a regular bridge inspection, which led to observations of significant safety concerns.
Besides these, the department also manages traffic signals, materials testing, bridge inspection, construction contracts, road signs, and highway striping.
A 2007 bridge inspection assessed the bridge as structurally deficient, mainly due to its poor superstructure and substructure.
Assessment of bridge inspection and maintenance in the United States.
The scour-sensing level can be classified into three levels: general bridge inspection, collecting limited data and collecting detailed data.