​Bridge Preventive Maintenance Program

This web site is designed to provide you with information regarding the Bridge Preventive Maintenance Program.

Purpose: Preventive maintenance is typically applied to bridge elements on structures with significant remaining service life. As a major component of bridge preservation, preventive maintenance is a strategy of extending the service life by applying cost-effective treatments to structurally sound bridges. The concept of preventive bridge maintenance suggests that many relatively small repairs and activities are performed to keep the bridge in good condition, retard future deterioration, and avoid large expenses in major bridge rehabilitation or bridge replacements.

Goals: To perform actions or strategies to bridges on the National Highway System and other state-owned routes that prevent, delay or reduce deterioration of bridge elements, restore the function of existing bridges, keep bridges in good condition and extend their life. To provide designs and detailed plans consistent with the Design Guidelines set by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Funding: Generally the FHWA provides 80% for the design and construction of projects with a 20% State match. On interstate projects, the funding is 90% FHWA and 10% State. Under special circumstances, on previously established freight corridors, the funding is 95% FHWA and 5% State.

Program Years: Generally, projects are programmed out 3 years in advance. On a yearly basis the program is reviewed and a determination is made to add additional projects. Information is continuously being acquired on candidate structures to be considered during the next selection period.