Title
Bridge Inspection Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve a two-year contract for $1,219,254.30 with WSP USA, Inc. to inspect bridges that qualify for federal funds administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and
B. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $1,219,254.30 from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to the General Capital Projects Fund.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Debbie Smith, Transportation
David Smith, Transportation
Explanation
§ The city maintains 197 bridges and culverts greater than 20 feet in length that are required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to be inspected every two years.
§ Bridges are inspected for structural adequacy, safety, and functionality.
§ These bridges and culverts qualify for federal reimbursement of 100 percent of the cost of inspections.
§ The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) administers the reimbursement process on behalf of FHWA.
§ On February 12, 2024, the city entered into a 10-year municipal agreement with the NCDOT to inspect all city-maintained culverts and bridges eligible for reimbursement.
§ Funding is appropriated every two years to comply with FHWA requirements, and the solicitation of inspection contracts aligns with this two-year cycle.
- $1,044,756 was appropriated for fiscal year (FY) 2024 and FY 2025.
- $1,219,254.30 will be appropriated for FY 2026 and FY 2027.
§ On August 26, 2025, the city issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ); two responses were received.
§ WSP USA, Inc. best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, and responsiveness to RFQ requirements.
Small Professional Services Firm (SPSF) Opportunity
For FHWA projects, NCDOT does not mandate a goal through the State’s SPSF program.
Fiscal Note
Funding: General Capital Investment Plan and Federal Highway Administration funding
Attachments
Attachments
List of Qualifying Bridges
Budget Ordinance