Files
Abstract
Bridge asset management is often an undervalued sector of a local government’s infrastructure. Amid more urgent short-term priorities local governments generally do not have the funds or resources to effectively manage their bridges. This study evaluates available resources and practices supporting bridge management to develop feasible local bridge management methods. Evaluating existing practices entailed interviewing and surveying Georgia government representatives. This process demonstrated the lack of funding and processes for managing local bridges as well as the reactive responses towards bridge management across local governments. The preliminary and literature review contributed to the construction of a guide that supports local governments develop a bridge asset management plan. To assess its effectiveness, Spalding County was selected for implementation which included modifications specific to Spalding’s goals and resources. The case study resulted in a comprehensive bridge management plan for Spalding County along with additional resources and discussion for different sized local governments.