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RISK ENGINEERING

PRIVATE BRIDGE CROSSINGSYou may find private bridges where a private road or driveway crosses a river, stream or other waterway. Over the years, several private bridges have been damaged by trucks driving over them. Damage can range from a minor crack to the floor boards to major structural damage. In some cases, trucks have fallen through and overturned, causing major damage to the bridge, truck, driver, and the environment. Many of the private bridges that are crossed each year were most likely built many years or decades ago. If possible, the bridge’s vehicle weight rating should be determined before crossing. If this can’t be done, a company representative should at least examine the bridge with the customer to observe the general condition and determine if it safe to drive over. Vehicles were likely much smaller in size and weight when most private bridges were built. Are you required to drive over a private bridge? No. You are not required to drive over a bridge that you think is unsafe to cross. Most municipalities, for example, do not require an employee to drive across a bridge that he thinks is unsafe.

Private BridgesHow Safe Are They? Do You Feel Comfortable Crossing?

Federal, state and county laws The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has no legal authority to require private bridge owners to inspect and maintain their bridges. The FHWA encourages, but does not require, owners of private bridges to follow the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Some states or counties may have standards and codes. For example, the Sonoma County, California fire safety ordinance contains some of the following requirements:

Evaluation - Chapter 5 - 503.2.6 All existing private bridges and elevated surfaces shall be evaluated by a California licensed civil engineer experienced in structural engineering or a California licensed structural engineer, for the purposes of safety and weight rating, and the vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges. Theses evaluations shall be performed at the direction of the fire code official.

Signage All roadway and driveway structures shall have appropriate signing identifying structure capability, vertical clearance limits, any a new road or single traffic lane conditions and include weight and/or by axle limit.

Inspections – Load Ratings Your company is encouraged to visually inspect any private bridges it has not crossed before. Before making deliveries to a new customer, consider asking if they have any unique conditions – such as a private bridge – on their property. Ask the customer if and when they had an inspection performed and if the bridge has a load rating or axle limit posting. A private bridge that has been driven over previously may not always be safe. The bridge will age every year, the structural integrity can deteriorate, and factors such as flooding and heavy vehicle use can cause additional damage.

Don’t let the sale of a product become more important than the safety of the driver, other people, or the environment. Be cautious. Below is a sample photo showing a vehicle weight rating.

Private Bridge CrossingsRisk Management

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RISK ENGINEERINGContact Information Reporting Claims or Loss24-hour toll free number:

1.800.690.5520Email to:

riskengineering@cfins.com

Private Bridge CrossingsRisk Management

Flooding Effects You may have crossed a bridge successfully for the past few deliveries, but what happens in the event of heavy rain and flooding? The force of water running under or over the bridge may cause extensive damage, much of which cannot be seen from above the bridge. If there is flooding or major rain fall, consider what damage it may have done to the bridge by getting out, taking a look at it and ascertaining its condition before crossing. Bridges with wood planks, metal, or concrete can deteriorate and shift with heavy rains. If you have any concerns, stop and before crossing, ask the homeowner to have a qualified inspector look at the bridge.

You don’t want to have this happen.

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RISK ENGINEERING

RISK ENGINEERINGPrivate Bridge CrossingsRisk Management

Or end up like this.

3The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company.Version 1.0 2017.04.12

This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. All conditions of coverage, terms, and limitations are defined and provided for in the policy. This material was developed as a general guide to safety from sources believed to be reliable and is not intended to provide legal, technical or other professional advice. These materials are not intended to replace any training or education that users may wish or need to provide to their personnel. Crum & Forster does not endorse any of the vendors listed in this publication, nor does it endorse the information, products or services that they offer or provide. Compliance with all Federal, State or local laws and regulations remain the policyholder’s responsibility.