Bridge Maintenance

It is the Department of Transportation's Bridges team's goal to prioritize safety and the longevity of our infrastructure by maintaining bridges to “as constructed standards” and keeping adjacent waterways clear of obstructions. To do this, maintenance is continually performed throughout Sacramento County on our bridges, and the types of maintenance can be divided into three categories: Routine, Preventive, and Rehabilitation.

Routine Maintenance Activities (Performed by SacDOT) Include:

Scheduled inspections of all bridges (movable and stationary).
Removal of Drift and Debris from waterways
Monitoring and Replacing Erosion/Scour protection
Guardrail and Retaining Wall Repair damaged due to collisions
Minor concrete spall repairs
Graffiti Removal
Movable Bridge Bearing Lubrication
Cleaning and flushing bridge deck drains
Refreshing signs and markings that are faded or damaged

Bridge Preventive Maintenance Activities (Typically Contracted) Include:

Expansion Joint Reconstruction or Replacement
Methacrylate Bridge Deck Sealants and/or Polyester Concrete Deck Overlays
Restoration of major structural elements such as beams, piers, & pile caps
Painting of steel structural elements
Restoring or replacing movable bridge bearings
Repair of significant concrete spalls

Bridge Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation activities are larger projects that are contracted out for major repairs and consist of the following examples, but not limited to:

Stringer replacement
Deck replacement
Bridge painting
Scour damage repair to structural elements and channel banks

Bridge Reconstruction

SacDOT has several bridge reconstruction projects for bridges that have reached the end of their life and can no longer be rehabilitated. Reconstruction is the complete replacement of the bridge structural section or large-capacity culvert. Examples include:

Bridge Replacement Projects - The bridge replacement projects involve removing an existing bridge and replacing it with a new concrete bridge or culvert, re-grading the existing channel, providing slope protection, and replacing the existing road surface to match the existing surface.
Culvert Replacement Projects - At this time, the County replaces culverts in-house, using a minor contract, or included as part of a larger roadway project.,

Contact Information

Tim Stevens
916.874.7281
Senior Civil Engineer