RP-2025-02: mobile bridge rating and inspection center

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) received a Formula Grant award of $586,464 on July 8, 2025, from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205). This statewide, State Planning and Research (SPR) project, titled "RP-2025-02: Mobile Bridge Rating and Inspection Center," supports the development of a mobile bridge rating and inspection vehicle equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and procedures. Led by researcher Karl Barth at West Virginia University (WVU), the project will establish specialized capabilities for comprehensive bridge assessment and evaluation across West Virginia's highway network. The mobile inspection center represents an infrastructure research and development initiative designed to enhance the state's bridge management and safety assessment operations through innovative, portable inspection technology and methodologies.

This project aligns with the Federal-aid Highway Program's support for highway planning, research, development, and technology transfer activities that strengthen state transportation infrastructure management capabilities. The FHWA's Highway Planning and Construction program provides federal funding to states for highway-related improvements and planning activities, with particular emphasis on research initiatives that advance transportation safety and infrastructure preservation. The mobile inspection center will enable WVDOH to conduct more efficient and comprehensive bridge evaluations statewide, supporting improved infrastructure maintenance and safety outcomes across West Virginia's transportation system.

Project description

Statewide, SPR research project: WVU (karl barth) develop a mobile bridge rating and inspection vehicle with state-of-the-art equipment and procedures, SPR.