Integrating Advanced Technology: Ability to expand inspection capabilities through FAA-certified drone use, capturing high-resolution imagery of bridge decks, substructures, and hard-to-reach areas

Enhanced Safety Practices: Opportunity to apply rope-access and fall-arrest techniques to reduce lane closures and improve inspector safety during truss inspections

Improved Documentation Accuracy: Chance to modernize reporting through updated framing plans, detailed deficiency records, and standardized submission into AASHTOWARE Bridge Management Software (BrM)

Efficient Traffic Management: Leveraging off-peak lane closures and alternative access methods to minimize disruption to the traveling public

Accessing Difficult Bridge Components: Truss structures, pin-and-hanger assemblies, and deteriorated elements required specialized access techniques and tools

Maintaining Safety in Complex Conditions: Industrial rope access on large trusses in Hart and Carroll Counties demanded rigorous safety protocols and highly trained teams

Managing Deterioration Issues: Heavy distortion and corrosion on select gusset plates required additional load rating analysis under compressed timelines

Traffic Constraints: Working above active roadways and waterways required carefully planned lane closures, traffic control, and coordination to maintain safety and mobility

Comprehensive, Standards-Driven Inspections: All work was completed in full compliance with the Kentucky Bridge Inspection Procedures Manual and the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection.

High-Quality Data Collection: Drone-assisted inspections, rope access, and specialty tools (such as mirrors for pin-and-hanger assemblies) produced detailed, accurate condition assessments.

Improved Asset Management Inputs: All Element-level data was successfully recorded in BrM and submitted according to KYTC requirements, enhancing long-term bridge management planning

Clear Documentation for Future Work: Updated framing plans and deficiency documentation created stronger reference materials for future inspections, maintenance, and rehabilitation decisions

Responsive Engineering Analysis: Timely load rating of distressed gusset plates enabled informed decision-making for safety and structural performance