SF3824

Purpose

This bill aims to improve transportation safety in Minnesota by updating how bridges and tunnels are inspected and rated, establishing a formal program for bridge-related information and standards, creating a truck parking improvement program, and expanding funding and guidance for active transportation education. It also cleans up older highway designations and reporting requirements.

Main Provisions

• Bridge and structure inspection standards

  • Establishes a Bridge and Structure Inspection Program Manual (BSIPM) to guide inspection and inventory procedures for bridges and tunnels.
  • Adopts National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) as the baseline for inspections.
  • Renews and clarifies strength, width, clearance, and safety standards for bridges on public highways, including privately owned bridges open to public traffic.

• Inspection frequency and scope

  • Most bridges must be inspected annually, with the option for longer inspection intervals (up to 24 months for standard bridges, 48 months for certain culverts) based on age, condition, deterioration rate, traffic, and other factors.
  • Underwater structural elements must be inspected at regular intervals not to exceed 60 months.
  • Fracture Critical Members (FCMs) must receive hands-on inspections at least every 24 months; more frequent inspections possible for specific conditions.
  • Bridges that meet NBIS definitions follow NBIS interval requirements; non-NBIS bridges are inspected at intervals set by the commissioner.

• Inspection duties and inventory

  • The Department of Transportation (DOT) must adopt NBIS rules and create official inventory and inspection report forms.
  • A centralized bridge inventory must be maintained, with annual certification to the commissioner that inspections occurred as scheduled.
  • Local governments (counties, cities, toll authorities, ports, and private bridges open to public use) have defined roles in inspecting and reporting, including the use of shared agreements with qualified engineers.

• Load rating and posting

  • Every bridge carrying vehicular traffic must be load-rated to determine safe load-c carrying capacity.
  • Bridges must be rerated when significant changes in condition occur or when a higher allowable load is determined; changes must be reflected on inventory sheets and posted.
  • If the maximum legal load exceeds the posted rating, the bridge must be posted with appropriate signs.

• Responsibilities and agreements

  • A memorandum of understanding between the DOT and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will govern inspection and inventory of bridges owned or managed by DNR, including who conducts inspections and how often.

• Quality assurance reporting

  • By February 1 of each odd-numbered year, the DOT must submit a biennial report on bridge inspection quality assurance and quality control, including procedures, changes, findings, and actions taken in response to findings and FHWA compliance reviews.

• Tunnel inspections

  • Similar standards apply to tunnels under NTIS, with the commissioner able to require shorter inspection intervals based on condition and traffic characteristics.

• Expiration and sunset of reporting requirements

  • Sections related to reporting requirements include specific expiration timelines; some reports are set to expire in 2036 or have general ten-year sunset rules if no expiration is specified.

• Active transportation funding and education (Section 9)

  • Funds may be used for safe routes to school infrastructure and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
  • The first 10% (up to $500,000 annually) is allocated for grants and programming to develop, maintain, and implement active transportation safety curricula for youth aged 5-14; remaining funds may support curricula for youth 15-17 and adults, including “adult Learn-to-ride” or safety programs.
  • Curricula must include teacher resources and meet state model training material requirements.

• Truck Parking Improvement Program (Section 10)

  • Establishes a program to improve truck parking access, availability, and safety.
  • Funding can come from trunk highway funds or general funds; money may support construction, maintenance, information systems, bathrooms, utilities, and related safety improvements.
  • A competitive project evaluation process is required; eligible recipients include DOT, counties, cities, metropolitan planning organizations, ports, private truck stop operators, and partnerships with public entities.
  • Public information about the program and project selections must be published.

• Repeals and designations (Section 11)

  • Repeals certain highway names/designations and related appendix entries, including some named trails and memorial designations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates or formalizes a Bridge and Structure Inspection Program Manual (BSIPM) and elevates NBIS/NTIS as core standards for bridges and tunnels.
• Tightens inspection frequency requirements, including underwater inspections and fracture-critical member inspections, with commissioner-driven adjustments based on risk factors.
• Raises the scope and standardization of bridge inventory, reporting, and posting requirements across state, county, and local levels.
• Introduces a formal load rating and mandatory posting framework for bridges carrying vehicular traffic.
• Adds a dedicated biennial quality assurance report on bridge inspections, with FHWA compliance considerations.
• Expands active transportation funding to include youth safety curricula and adult programs, alongside traditional infrastructure funding.
• Establishes a Truck Parking Improvement Program with explicit eligibility, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
• Repeals certain historic designations and highway names from the appendix, reducing legacy designations.

How This Would Affect Minnesota Roads and Safety

• Increased emphasis on structural safety and data transparency for bridges and tunnels.
• More uniform inspection practices across state and local governments, with clearer accountability and reporting deadlines.
• Potentially higher maintenance and improvement activity for bridges, tunnels, and associated infrastructure (e.g., load posting, underwater inspections, and fracture-critical member monitoring).
• Expanded funding and programs to support safe active transportation and truck parking, potentially improving pedestrian/biker safety and freight efficiency.
• Administrative changes, including MOUs with DNR and new or revised reporting requirements, may affect how agencies coordinate inspections and funding.

Key Terms (Relevant Terms)

• NBIS (National Bridge Inspection Standards)
• NTIS (National Tunnel Inspection Standards)
• BSIPM (Bridge and Structure Inspection Program Manual)
• Bridge inventory and structure inventory sheet
• Underwater structural elements
• Fracture Critical Members (FCMs)
• Load rating and posting
• NBIS 650.311, NBIS 650.305 (regulatory references)
• Central inventory
• Bridge inspection frequency (annual, 24 months, 48 months)
• Inspection quality assurance and quality control
• DNR (Department of Natural Resources) memorandum of understanding
• Tunnel inspections
• Safe routes to school / active transportation education
• Truck Parking Improvement Program
• Eligible recipients (DOT, counties, cities, MPOs, ports, private entities)
• Expenditure categories for truck parking (rest areas, bathrooms, utilities, information systems)
• Repealers and highway designations (appendix items)

Relevant Terms NBIS, NTIS, BSIPM, Bridge inspection, Underwater inspection, Fracture Critical Members (FCMs), Load rating, Posting, Bridge inventory, Central inventory, NBIS compliance, DNR MOA, Active transportation, Safe Routes to School, Truck Parking Improvement Program, highway designations, appendix repeals