Proactive Bridge Maintenance Falls Short Due to Skill Gap

Problem

VDOT Richmond lacked experience staff to oversee daily and routine bridge maintenance operations. The skill gap prevented proactive maintenance and left them open to unforeseen crises, compliance problems, and bridge failure.

Solution

VDOT Richmond engaged PILLAR to provide between 2 and 6 bridge monitors/inspectors to assist the bridge division with daily and routine maintenance bridge operations, totaling over 48,000 hours for the past 9+ years.

Approach

VDOT Richmond District enlisted PILLAR’s roadway monitors to perform contract monitoring/inspection duties on several Administrative Service Division (ASD) and Scheduling & Contracts Division (SCD) contracts for bridge maintenance work throughout the district. PILLAR provided in-depth knowledge of highway and bridge construction/maintenance practices and proper materials and procedures to ensure that work was performed to standard. They also ensured work remained in compliance with VDOT Best Practices, with local, state, and federal safety and health guidelines, VDOT Road and Bridge Standards and Specifications, and the VA Work Area Protection Manual.

PILLAR worked closely with the VDOT contract managers to coordinate contract services. The roadway monitors were responsible for inspecting/monitoring and reporting all contractor activities, equipment, and accomplishments. They documented any deficiencies, quality, or performance issues and communicated concerns to VDOT in a timely fashion. They were also prepared to work as part of a team directing agency snow removal operations using recognized techniques to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Prior to acceptance for maintenance, roadway monitors performed QA/QC on recently completed bridge construction projects to ensure the project adhered to plans and specifications. They also used up-to-date deficiency reports to create data-driven priority work schedules and regularly verified that system updates were entered correctly and accurately.