×

Anyone, 5 years of age and older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find your nearest vaccination location at vaccines.gov.

Bridge Management and Inspections

Bridge Management and Inspection policies and procedures are administered by the Bureau of Bridges & Structures to ensure public safety and to comply with federal regulations and state statutes. The Bridge Management and Inspection Unit is responsible for providing oversight of the bridge and tunnel inspection procedures utilized by IDOT and local public agencies to ensure bridge and tunnel safety as required by the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) provided in Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Questions? You may email DOT.BBS.BridgeMgmt@illinois.gov your question will be responded to as quickly as possible.

Inspection Classes

FHWA-NHI-130055: Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges


10 day, Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges class, FHWA NHI 130055
October 24 - November 4, 2022
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed


The class will be held at:

IDOT Day Labor
505 N. Macarthur Blvd
Springfield, IL 62702

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $2100. Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

NOTE: This course was updated in 2012 and 2015 and now contains mandatory prerequisite requirements for participants. See details below.

This course is based on the 2015 FHWA "Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM)" and provides training on the safety inspection of in-service highway bridges. The course includes two virtual bridge inspection exercises* facilitated using NHI's virtual bridge inspection (VBI) computer-based training (CBT) technology; instruction on critical findings, their identification and response; curriculum on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) element level inspection approach using the 2013 AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection 2015 Interim Revisions; and activities that maximize participant engagement throughout the course. This course does not go into depth on fracture critical, underwater, or complex bridge inspections. Other specialty courses, 130078 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges and 130091 Underwater Bridge Inspection, cover these topics.

Participants will be asked to complete mid-term and end-of-course assessments each with a cumulative score of 70% or better to successfully complete the course and receive a certificate of completion. The sponsoring agency/State may monitor the examinations and retain the scores to qualify or certify bridge inspectors. Satisfactory completion of this course will fulfill the comprehensive bridge inspection training requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Note: Many States have additional requirements to become a bridge inspection team leader.

Participant Prerequisite Requirement: ALL participants must have met one of the three prerequisite requirements for participation in this course** and bring a course completion certificate bearing their name to the first day of the class. The passing score for all prerequisites is 70% or better. Individuals have the option to complete one of the following three prerequisite requirements: 1) 130054 Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors, a 5-day Instructor-led course; 2) 130101 Introduction to Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, a 14-hour Web-based training and assessment; or 3) 130101a Prerequisite Assessment for Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, a Web-based assessment.

For additional details visit NHI’s Website. Individuals wishing to register for the NHI 130055 course should click the registration link above.

Seating for the course will be limited. If more individuals register than seats available, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the department and other considerations.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA-NHI-130056: Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges for Professional Engineers


5 day, Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges for Professional Engineers class, FHWA NHI 130056
December 12-16, 2022
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed


The class will be held at:

IDOT Hanley Building
Auditorium
2300 S. Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62764​

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $1100. Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

In accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), a Bridge Inspector must successfully complete an FHWA-approved comprehensive training to become a certified Bridge Inspection Team Leader, or Program Manager. This FHWA-approved course, intended for Professional Engineers (PEs), is based on the "Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual" (BIRM) and provides training on the safety inspection of in-service highway bridges. It has been streamlined to better suit experienced Professional Engineers, while retaining strong emphasis on bridge inspection, documentation, and coding requirements. The course is a 5-day adaptation of FHWA-NHI 130055 training course and includes one virtual bridge inspection trip (VBI) or bridge inspection field trip; new instruction on critical findings, their identification and response; curriculum on the new AASHTO Element level evaluation; and updated activities that maximize participant engagement throughout the course. This course does not go into depth on stream stability and scour or fracture critical, underwater, or complex bridge inspections. NHI does have other specialty courses in stream stability and scour (FHWA-NHI-135047) fracture critical inspection (FHWA-NHI-130078) and underwater safety inspection (FHWA-NHI-130091).

Participant Prerequisite Requirement: ALL participants must be certified professional engineers (PE) showing evidence of such certification upon arrival at the course, have met one of the three prerequisite requirements for participation in the FHWA-NHI-130056 course* and bring a course completion certificate bearing their name to the first day of the NHI-FHWA-130056 session. The passing score for all prerequisites is 70% or better. Individuals have the option to complete one of the three prerequisite requirements: 1) Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors (FHWA-NHI-130054), five-day instructor-led course; 2) Introduction to Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (FHWA-NHI-130101), 14-hour, Web-based training and assessment; and/or 3) Prerequisite Assessment for Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (FHWA-NHI 130101a), Web-based assessment.

For additional details visit NHI’s Website. Individuals wishing to register for the NHI 130055 course should click the registration link above.

Seating for the course will be limited. If more individuals register than seats available, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the department and other considerations.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA-NHI-130078: Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges


 3.5 day, Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges, FHWA NHI 130078

November 29 - December 2, 2022
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed

December 6 - December 9, 2022
Schaumburg, IL
Registration Closed


The November 29th - December 2nd Springfield, IL class will be held at:
Crowne Plaza Springfield
3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62703

​The December 6th - 9th Schaumburg, IL class will be held at:
IDOT District 1 Training Room 1
201 West Center Court
Schaumburg, IL 60196​

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $900. Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

For additional details visit NHI’s Website. Individuals wishing to register for the NHI 130078 course should click the registration link above. 

Seating for the course will be limited. If more individuals register than seats available, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the department and other considerations.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA-NHI-130099A: Bridge Inspection Nondestructive Evaluation seminar (BINS)


2 day, Bridge Inspection Nondestructive Evaluation Seminar, FHWA NHI 130099A

November 2 - November 3, 2021
Registration closes on October 19, 2021
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed


The Springfield, IL class will be held at:

Crowne Plaza
3000 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764 - map

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $295. Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

For additional details, visit NHI’s Website. Individuals wishing to register for the NHI 130099A course should click the registration link above.

Seating for the course will be limited. If more individuals register than seats available, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the department and other considerations.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA-NHI-130110: Tunnel Safety Inspection


Tunnel Safety Inspection: FHWA-NHI-130110
December 13-17, 2021
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed

Priority given to IDOT, FHWA and Other State DOTs; in that order.


The class will be held at:

Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Center
3000 S Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62703 - map

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $480.

Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA-NHI-135046:  Stream Stability and Scour at Highway Bridges


Stream Stability and Scour at Highway Bridges: FHWA NHI 135046
November 15-17, 2022
Schaumburg, IL
Registration Closed

November 29 - December 1, 2022
Springfield, IL
Registration Closed


The Schaumburg, IL class will be held at:

IDOT District 1
201 West Center Court
Schaumburg, IL 60196

The Springfield, IL class will be held at:

IDOT
Executive Conference Room
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764

Maximum number: 30

The cost is $800. Registration will not be allowed through the NHI website.

For additional class details visit NHI’s Website. Individuals wishing to register for the NHI 135046 course should click the registration link above.

Seating for the course will be limited. If more individuals register than seats available, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the department and other considerations.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

FHWA Introduction to Element Level Bridge Inspection


Intro. to Element Level Bridge Inspection
January 24-26, 2023
8:00am – 12:30 pm each day
Online
REGISTER NOW!


Description

All training version are based on the "AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection" and provides introductory training on element level inspection of in-service highway bridges.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the following terms:
  • Component vs. Element vs. Safety Inspection Data
  • Elements (NBE, BME, ADE)
    • Element Environments
    • Element Condition States
    • Element Defects
  • Structures and Structure Units
  • Explain the rules and conventions for identifying and quantifying elements
  • Interpret condition state language
  • Review as-built plans to identify bridge elements and determine appropriate units and quantities for elements
  • Interpret condition state language based on visual observations and quantify and record observations
  • Explain why bridge management is important
  • Explain how element level data supports bridge management
  • Identify areas of inconsistency and/or differing interpretations
  • Suggest areas for clarification or further guidance

Target Audience

Federal, State, and local highway agency employees, and consultants involved in inspecting bridges or in charge of a bridge inspection unit. A background in bridge engineering and/or bridge inspection is recommended.

Course Handouts

Printed handouts will not be provided.  Please print or bring tablet/laptop to view the pdfs.

Agenda

Participant Workbook

Lesson 4 & Lesson 6 blank form (PDF) | Word

Example Plans

Element and Condition State Handout

Evaluation Form

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit

IL Bridge Inspection Refresher Training

IL Bridge Inspection Refresher Training
October 2-5, 2023 - Online Class
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM each day

REGISTER NOW!

98 seats are available for each class. There is no cost for the class. Individuals wishing to register for the course should click the registration link above.

Due to the high volume of inspectors requiring training, IDOT will determine the class roster based on the needs of the Department and other considerations. 

PREREQUISITES:

Prior to taking the IL Bridge Inspection Refresher Training, all participants should successfully complete FHWA's comprehensive bridge inspection training 130055 Safety Inspection of In-service Bridges, or 130056 Safety Inspection of In-service Bridges for Professional Engineers, or a similar FHWA-approved bridge inspection course equivalent.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit.

An individual inspector's required refresher training class and deadline date are available by clicking here.

IL Bridge Inspection Training Notes

Bridge Element Inspection Class

2 day, Bridge Element Inspection Class
October 8 - October 9, 2019
REGISTRATION CLOSED


The Springfield, IL class will be held at:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Executive Conference Room
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764 - map

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to the Bridge Management Unit

Class Agenda

Class agenda and items inspectors should bring to class is available for download.

Forms

Form NumberForm NameRevision Date
BBS 2425Bridge Cross Section2022-07-20
BBS 2426Culvert Cross Section2022-07-21
BBS 2610Program Manager Qualifications2017-11-20
BBS 2620Team Leader Qualifications2017-11-20
BBS 2680Scour Critical Bridge Plan of Action (POA)2019-10-30
BBS 2710Load Rating Inspection Report2020-08-28
BBS 2760Preliminary Pin and Link Inspection Journal - A2012-07-10
BBS 2780Supplemental Pin / Link Inspection Journal-
BBS 2790Bridge Inspection Procedures Review2017-01-26
BBS BFCBridge File Checklist2013-12-23
BBS BIR FC1Bridge Inspection Report Fracture Critical Inspection2014-03-04
BBS BIR FC2Fracture Critical Member Inventory Report2012-07-09
BBS BIR UW1Bridge Inspection Report Underwater Inspection2014-03-05
BBS CF 1Critical Finding Report2022-03-15
BBS ELIElement Level Inspection Report2014-03-05
BBS LAPMDLocal Agency Program Manager Designation2016-05-31
BBS PCRBridge Posting / Closure Review2016-04-18
BBS RIRRoutine Inspection Report2021-06-29
BBS SCEScour Critical Evaluation Coding Report2021-04-21
BBS SI-1Special Inspection Report2019-03-11
BBS UIPUnderwater Inspection Plan2015-04-22

Subscription Announcement Archives

The following table contains subscription service announcements from November, 2013.

MemoSubjectIssuedStatus
20131115Critical Finding Forms and Complex Bridge 12-Month Waiver Statement2013-11-15Active
20131205Verify Program Manager-Team Leader Data2013-12-05Active
20131230Bridge File Checklist2013-12-30Active
20140123Illinois Program Managers-Team Leader Information2014-01-23Active
20140214Bridge Element Inspection Manual2014-02-14Active
20140630BLRS Procedure Memorandum 2014-03 Bridge Inventory and Inspections2014-06-30Active
20140806New IDOT Website Unveiled2014-08-06Active
20141031Inspection Report Quality Assurance Reminder (Metric #12)2014-10-31Active
20150106Steel Section Loss Policy and Steel superstructure Condition Rating2015-01-06Supersceded
20150203Bridge Inpection Documentation2015-02-03Active
20150421Bridge Element Inspection Manual2015-04-21Active
20150423Form BBS UIP Underwater Inspection Plan2015-04-23Active
20150630Revised Structural Services Manual2015-06-30Active
20151023Revised Bridge Element Inspection Manual2015-10-23Active
20151218Bridge Inspection Date Tracking Website2015-12-18Active
20160113Bridge Inspection Training Video2016-01-13Active
20160125FHWA 2015 Metric Assessment2016-01-25Active
20160204Bridge File Checklist Reminder Announcement2016-02-04Active
20160325Inspection Practices2016-03-25Active
20160428Quality Assurance Summary Report2016-04-28Active
20160429BridgeWatch Scour Plan of Action Form2016-04-29Active
20160505Exposed Steel Pile Inspections2016-05-05Active
20160613Bridge Inspection Safety2016-06-13Active
20160711Importance of Accurate Bridge Inspections2016-07-11Active
20160831SIP Manual Announcement2016-08-31Active
20161129FHWA Event Report Ohio Steel H-Pile Failure2016-11-29Active
20170105FHWA National Inspection Program Update2017-01-05Active
20170113Obtaining AASHTOWare Bridge Rating Software2017-01-13Active
20170209Modified 48-Month Inspection Interval Criteria2017-02-09Active
20170224Closure of I-276 Delaware River Bridge Event Report2017-02-24Active
20170306SIP Manual Revisions2017-03-06Active
20170406Detection of Potential Critical Finding2017-04-06Active
20170406Fire Damage to I-85 Bridges over Piedmont Road2017-04-06Active
20170630Revised Structural Services Manual2017-06-30Active
20170907Form BBS 2795 Structure Load Rating Summary Revision2017-09-07Active
20171120Program Manager Team Leader Qualifications Forms2017-11-20Active
20180313Critical Finding Video2018-03-13Active
20190219Bearing Seats of Suspended Spans (Dapped Beams)2019-02-19Active
20190430NBIP Inspection Frequency and Procedures2019-04-30Active
20190607NBIP Metric 14 Inspection Procedures2019-06-07Active
20190717NBIP Metric 15 Inspection Procedures2019-07-17Active
201908282018 National Bridge Inspection Program (NBIP) Update2019-08-28Active
20191108Notice for Proposed Rulemaking for NBIS2019-11-08Active
20191126AASHTOWare Bridge Rating Software (BrR)2019-11-26Active
20191202IDOT Bridge Preservation Guide2019-12-02Active
20191221Bridge Inspection Training Opportunities2019-12-21Active
20200117Notice for Proposed Rulemaking for NBIS Update2020-01-17Active
20200313IDOT Bridge Inspection Training Classes – March and April 20202020-03-13Active
20200904BBS 2710 Load Rating Inspection Report2020-09-04Active
20201106Bridge Inspection Training Opportunities2020-11-06Active
20201112Performance Year 2020 National Bridge Inspection Program (NBIP) Update2020-11-12Active
202011182021 Bridge Inspection Training Classes2020-11-18Active
20201124IDOT Policy and Procedure for Completing Delinquent NBIS Inspections2020-11-24Active
20201221Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Structural Services Manual Section 5 – Tunnel Inspection2020-12-21Active
2021-012021 Bridge Inspection Training Classes2021-01-05Active
2021-02IDOT Policy and Procedure for Completing Delinquent NBIS Inspections Due to Hardship2021-01-05Active
2021-03IDOT Policy and Procedure for Revocation and Reinstatement of IL NBIS PM and TL Certification2021-01-05Active
2021-04IDOT Policy and Guidance for Bridge Inspection Comments and Documentation2021-02-24Active
2021-05BBS RIR Routine Inspection Form & BIS Entry2021-07-23Active
2022-01BBS-SCE2022-03-09Active
2022-022022 Stream Stability and Scour at Highway Bridges Classes2022-05-13Active
2022-032022 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges Classes2022-06-29Active
2022-042022 Bridge Inspection Training Classes2022-06-29Active
2022-05NBIP Metric 15: Inspection Procedures - Channel Cross Sections2022-08-03Active
2022-062023 FHWA-Introduction to Element Level Bridge Inspection Class2022-10-28Active
2023-012023 IL Bridge Inspection Refresher Training2023-01-06Active
2023-02Inspection Date Notification Website2023-01-18Active
2023-03October 2023 IL Bridge Inspection Refresher Training2023-03-16Active