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Peer review identifies shortcomings in Maryland inspection regime
Published: June 25, 2009
An extensive independent peer review of Maryland Transportation Authority's (MdTA) bridge and tunnel inspection programme has highlighted shortcomings in procedures. The review was carried out by a seven-member expert panel chaired by consultant Mary Lou Ralls, who is former director of Texas Department of Transportation's bridge division. It was prompted by a fatal crash in August 2008 on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, where a lorry plunged through a concrete barrier into the water. The panel found that current bridge inspection practices are in compliance with national standards but identified additional steps to build on changes that MdTA began initiating in 2006. MdTA has already introduced changes including the use of three independent consulting firms which rotate annual inspections so that a new "set of eyes" is assigned to examine a particular structure on succeeding inspection cycles. Other improvements have included a requirement for inspectors to be within arms reach of each item being inspected. However, the review panel recommends further improvements to strengthen the programme, including hiring additional staff to manage the work and using non-destructive evaluation techniques such as ultrasonic testing to address any specific concerns identified during inspections. The panel also calls for baseline hydrographic surveys, development of scour remediations plans and provision of more photographs and quantative data in inspection reports. Other recommendations include preparation of a system-wide bridge inspection manual together with separate manuals for major structures such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The panel felt that the state should become more active in national transport organisations to maintain current knowledge on best practice. 
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