Posting & Closure of Local Agency Bridges By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets

The proper posting/closure of local agency bridges is a continuing concern. The department has monitored compliance for several years and has regularly notified the responsible local agency to correct deficiencies. In 1986 there was a concerted effort to reach 100% compliance with the requirements of bridge posting/closure. However, due to the dynamic nature of the problem, a high degree of compliance is very difficult to maintain.

Current information in the Illinois Structure Inventory System (ISIS) indicates there are 2584 bridges that require posting or closure. Of these, 146 are coded as not properly posted or closed. Although these structures are the responsibility of the agency whose road directs traffic over them, the department also has a responsibility. The Chief Counsel cites the Illinois Vehicle Code (Chapter 95 1/2, Section 15-317) which states in part that the department shall cause or permit suitable signs be erected and maintained stating the maximum weight limit at these structures. Because of this department responsibility, a new procedure has been initiated to ensure that all bridges are properly posted or closed.

Starting between May 1 and May 15, 1992, state personnel inspected each structure listed as requiring posting or closure. Observations were documented in writing and by photograph during the inspection, and actual field conditions entered into the ISIS at the conclusion of each inspection. This inspection was completed statewide by June 15, 1992 and a list of irregularities with comments and recommendations were sent to the appropriate local agency for resolution.

Guidelines for posting signs are contained in the Illinois Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (Illinois MUTCD). Any bridges not capable of carrying at least 3 tons are to be closed to traffic rather than posted with weight restrictions.

The local agency must report to the district office when the posting/closure problem has been corrected. If a reasonable amount of time has passed and the local agency has not corrected the problem, then the state will schedule the work and make the necessary repairs at the bridge site. However, the state will collect from the local agency for all costs incurred to perform this work, so every effort should be made to do the work with local agency forces.

Some hope for minimizing this bridge issue rests with the increase in federal funds to repair and replace sub-standard bridges, federal funds for bridge construction has been increased by over 50%, so this will reduce the number of deficient bridges significantly.

Bridge posting and closure is a never-ending effort. Initial signing is expensive and maintenance is continual, but the traveler must be alerted to this condition, so your efforts are not in vain. •

Page 16 / Illinois Municipal Review / July 1992