Large Culvert Inspections

JM Davidson Engineering, D.P.C. (JMD) was contracted by Popli Design Group to assist with the inspection of a group of large culverts for the Erie County Department of Public Works. 

JMD was responsible for the inspection of twenty (20) culverts across Erie County.  The inspections were conducted in accordance with the 2014 NYSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual using the old rating system of 1 to 9.  The culverts were inspected during low water conditions to ensure inspection of the invert could be conducted.  Inspections included investigation of structural items including spans, headwalls, and end sections; assessment of the channel condition including waterway opening, alignment, scour, and debris; and evaluation of the roadway including pavement condition, shoulders, guide rail, and embankment conditions. 

The work performed included:

• Hands-on structural assessment of culverts
• Visual assessment of channel conditions at culverts
• Visual assessment of roadway and embankment at each culvert crossing
• Completion of a culvert inspection report including photographs, sketches, and ratings
• Issuing red and yellow flags and maintenance concerns as necessary for inspection items in need of repair.
• Installation of Culvert Identification Number (CIN) plates at each culvert location