PART 650—BRIDGES, STRUCTURES, AND HYDRAULICS Authority: 23 U.S.C. 119, 144, and 315. Subpart A—Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Flood Plains Source: 44 FR 67580, Nov. 26, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 650.101 Purpose. To prescribe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policies and procedures for the location and hydraulic design of highway encroachments on flood plains, including direct Federal highway projects administered by the FHWA. § 650.103 Policy. It is the policy of the FHWA: (a) To encourage a broad and unified effort to prevent uneconomic, hazardous or incompatible use and development of the Nation's flood plains, (b) To avoid longitudinal encroachments, where practicable, (c) To avoid significant encroachments, where practicable, (d) To minimize impacts of highway agency actions which adversely affect base flood plains, (e) To restore and preserve the natural and beneficial flood-plain values that are adversely impacted by highway agency actions, (f) To avoid support of incompatible flood-plain development, (g) To be consistent with the intent of the Standards and Criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program, where appropriate, and (h) To incorporate “A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management” of the Water Resources Council into FHWA procedures. § 650.105 Definitions. (a) Action (b) Base flood (c) Base flood plain (d) Design Flood (e) Encroachment (f) Floodproof (g) Freeboard (h) Minimize (i) Natural and beneficial flood-plain values (j) Overtopping flood (k) Practicable (l) Preserve (m) Regulatory floodway i.e. (n) Restore (o) Risk (p) Risk analysis (q) Significant encroachment (1) A significant potential for interruption or termination of a transportation facility which is needed for emergency vehicles or provides a community's only evacuation route. (2) A significant risk, or (3) A significant adverse impact on natural and beneficial flood-plain values. (r) Support base flood-plain development § 650.107 Applicability. (a) The provisions of this regulation shall apply to all encroachments and to all actions which affect base flood plains, except for repairs made with emergency funds (23 CFR part 668) during or immediately following a disaster. (b) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to or alter approvals or authorizations which were given by FHWA pursuant to regulations or directives in effect before the effective date of this regulation. § 650.109 Public involvement. Procedures which have been established to meet the public involvement requirements of 23 CFR part 771 shall be used to provide opportunity for early public review and comment on alternatives which contain encroachments. [53 FR 11065, Apr. 5, 1988] § 650.111 Location hydraulic studies. (a) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps or information developed by the highway agency, if NFIP maps are not available, shall be used to determine whether a highway location alternative will include an encroachment. (b) Location studies shall include evaluation and discussion of the practicability of alternatives to any longitudinal encroachments. (c) Location studies shall include discussion of the following items, commensurate with the significance of the risk or environmental impact, for all alternatives containing encroachments and for those actions which would support base flood-plain development: (1) The risks associated with implementation of the action, (2) The impacts on natural and beneficial flood-plain values, (3) The support of probable incompatible flood-plain development, (4) The measures to minimize flood-plain impacts associated with the action, and (5) The measures to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial flood-plain values impacted by the action. (d) Location studies shall include evaluation and discussion of the practicability of alternatives to any significant encroachments or any support of incompatible flood-plain development. (e) The studies required by § 650.111 (c) and (d) shall be summarized in environmental review documents prepared pursuant to 23 CFR part 771. (f) Local, State, and Federal water resources and flood-plain management agencies should be consulted to determine if the proposed highway action is consistent with existing watershed and flood-plain management programs and to obtain current information on development and proposed actions in the affected watersheds. § 650.113 Only practicable alternative finding. (a) A proposed action which includes a significant encroachment shall not be approved unless the FHWA finds that the proposed significant encroachment is the only practicable alternative. This finding shall be included in the final environmental document (final environmental impact statement or finding of no significant impact) and shall be supported by the following information: (1) The reasons why the proposed action must be located in the flood plain, (2) The alternatives considered and why they were not practicable, and (3) A statement indicating whether the action conforms to applicable State or local flood-plain protection standards. (b) [Reserved] [44 FR 67580, Nov. 26, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 29274, June 24, 1983] § 650.115 Design standards. (a) The design selected for an encroachment shall be supported by analyses of design alternatives with consideration given to capital costs and risks, and to other economic, engineering, social and environmental concerns. (1) Consideration of capital costs and risks shall include, as appropriate, a risk analysis or assessment which includes: (i) The overtopping flood or the base flood, whichever is greater, or (ii) The greatest flood which must flow through the highway drainage structure(s), where overtopping is not practicable. The greatest flood used in the analysis is subject to state-of-the-art capability to estimate the exceedance probability. (2) The design flood for encroachments by through lanes of Interstate highways shall not be less than the flood with a 2-percent chance of being exceeded in any given year. No minimum design flood is specified for Interstate highway ramps and frontage roads or for other highways. (3) Freeboard shall be provided, where practicable, to protect bridge structures from debris- and scour-related failure. (4) The effect of existing flood control channels, levees, and reservoirs shall be considered in estimating the peak discharge and stage for all floods considered in the design. (5) The design of encroachments shall be consistent with standards established by the FEMA, State, and local governmental agencies for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program for: (i) All direct Federal highway actions, unless the standards are demonstrably inappropriate, and (ii) Federal-aid highway actions where a regulatory floodway has been designated or where studies are underway to establish a regulatory floodway. (b) Rest area buildings and related water supply and waste treatment facilities shall be located outside the base flood plain, where practicable. Rest area buildings which are located on the base flood plain shall be floodproofed against damage from the base flood. (c) Where highway fills are to be used as dams to permanently impound water more than 50 acre-feet (6.17 × 10 4 § 650.117 Content of design studies. (a) The detail of studies shall be commensurate with the risk associated with the encroachment and with other economic, engineering, social or environmental concerns. (b) Studies by highway agencies shall contain: (1) The hydrologic and hydraulic data and design computations, (2) The analysis required by § 650.115(a), and (3) For proposed direct Federal highway actions, the reasons, when applicable, why FEMA criteria (44 CFR 60.3, formerly 24 CFR 1910.3) are demonstrably inappropriate. (c) For encroachment locations, project plans shall show: (1) The magnitude, approximate probability of exceedance and, at appropriate locations, the water surface elevations associated with the overtopping flood or the flood of § 650.115(a)(1)(ii), and (2) The magnitude and water surface elevation of the base flood, if larger than the overtopping flood. Subpart B—Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects Source: 59 FR 37939, July 26, 1994, unless otherwise noted. § 650.201 Purpose. The purpose of this subpart is to prescribe policies and procedures for the control of erosion, abatement of water pollution, and prevention of damage by sediment deposition from all construction projects funded under title 23, United States Code. § 650.203 Policy. It is the policy of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that all highways funded in whole or in part under title 23, United States Code, shall be located, designed, constructed and operated according to standards that will minimize erosion and sediment damage to the highway and adjacent properties and abate pollution of surface and ground water resources. Guidance for the development of standards used to minimize erosion and sediment damage is referenced in § 650.211 of this part. § 650.205 Definitions. Erosion control measures and practices Permanent erosion and sediment control measures and practices Pollutants Sediment control measures and practices Temporary erosion and sediment control measures and practices § 650.207 Plans, specifications and estimates. (a) Emphasis shall be placed on erosion control in the preparation of plans, specifications and estimates. (b) All reasonable steps shall be taken to insure that highway project designs for the control of erosion and sedimentation and the protection of water quality comply with applicable standards and regulations of other agencies. [39 FR 36332, Oct. 9, 1974] § 650.209 Construction. (a) Permanent erosion and sediment control measures and practices shall be established and implemented at the earliest practicable time consistent with good construction and management practices. (b) Implementation of temporary erosion and sediment control measures and practices shall be coordinated with permanent measures to assure economical, effective, and continuous control throughout construction. (c) Erosion and sediment control measures and practices shall be monitored and maintained or revised to insure that they are fulfilling their intended function during the construction of the project. (d) Federal-aid funds shall not be used in erosion and sediment control actions made necessary because of contractor oversight, carelessness, or failure to implement sufficient control measures. (e) Pollutants used during highway construction or operation and material from sediment traps shall not be stockpiled or disposed of in a manner which makes them susceptible to being washed into any watercourse by runoff or high water. No pollutants shall be deposited or disposed of in watercourses. § 650.211 Guidelines. (a) The FHWA adopts the AASHTO Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume III, “Erosion and Sediment Control in Highway Construction,” 1992, 1 1 (b) Each State highway agency should apply the guidelines referenced in paragraph (a) of this section or apply its own guidelines, if these guidelines are more stringent, to develop standards and practices for the control of erosion and sediment on Federal-aid construction projects. These specific standards and practices may reference available resources, such as the procedures presented in the AASHTO “Model Drainage Manual,” 1991. 2 2 (c) Consistent with the requirements of section 6217(g) of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508, 104 Stat. 1388-299), highway construction projects funded under title 23, United States Code, and located in the coastal zone management areas of States with coastal zone management programs approved by the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, should utilize “Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Coastal Waters,” 84-B-92-002, U.S. EPA, January 1993. 3 3 Subpart C—National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) Source: 87 FR 27429, May 6, 2022, unless otherwise noted. § 650.301 Purpose. This subpart sets the national minimum standards for the proper safety inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 144(h) and the requirements for preparing and maintaining an inventory in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 144(b). § 650.303 Applicability. The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) in this subpart apply to all structures defined as highway bridges located on all public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, including tribally-owned and federally-owned bridges, private bridges that are connected to a public road on both ends of the bridge, temporary bridges, and bridges under construction with portions open to traffic. § 650.305 Definitions. The following terms used in this subpart are defined as follows: AASHTO Manual. Attribute. Bridge. Bridge inspection experience. Bridge inspection refresher training. 1 1 www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/. Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual the BIRM. www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nbis.cfm. Complex feature. Comprehensive bridge inspection training. Consequence. Critical finding. Damage inspection. Deterioration mode. Element level bridge inspection data. End-of-course assessment. Hands-on inspection. Highway. In-depth inspection. Initial inspection. Inspection date. Inspection due date. Inspection report. Internal redundancy. Inventory data. Legal load. Legal load rating. Load path redundancy. Load posting. Load rating. Nationally certified bridge inspector. Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM). NSTM inspection. NSTM inspection training. Operating rating. Private bridge. Procedures. Probability. Professional engineer (PE). Program manager. Public road. Quality assurance (QA). Quality control (QC). Rehabilitation. Risk. Risk assessment panel (RAP). Routine inspection. Routine permit load. Safe load capacity. Scour. Scour appraisal. Scour assessment. Scour critical bridge. Scour evaluation. Scour plan of action (POA). Service inspection. Special inspection. Special permit load. State transportation department. System redundancy. Team leader. Temporary bridge. Underwater bridge inspection diver. Underwater Bridge Inspection Manual. www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nbis.cfm. Underwater bridge inspection training. Underwater inspection. Unknown Foundations. § 650.307 Bridge inspection organization responsibilities. (a) Each State transportation department must perform, or cause to be performed, the proper inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges that are fully or partially located within the State's boundaries, except for bridges that are owned by Federal agencies or Tribal governments. (b) Each Federal agency must perform, or cause to be performed, the proper inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges that are fully or partially located within the respective Federal agency's responsibility or jurisdiction. (c) Each Tribal government, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or FHWA, must perform, or cause to be performed, the proper inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges that are fully or partially located within the respective Tribal government's responsibility or jurisdiction. (d) Where a bridge crosses a border between a State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government jurisdiction, all entities must determine through a joint written agreement the responsibilities of each entity for that bridge under this subpart, including the designated lead State for reporting NBI data. (e) Each State transportation department, Federal agency, and Tribal government must include a bridge inspection organization that is responsible for the following: (1) Developing and implementing written Statewide, Federal agencywide, or Tribal governmentwide bridge inspection policies and procedures; (2) Maintaining a registry of nationally certified bridge inspectors that are performing the duties of a team leader in their State or Federal agency or Tribal government that includes, at a minimum, a method to positively identify each inspector, inspector's qualification records, inspector's current contact information, and detailed information about any adverse action that may affect the good standing of the inspector; (3) Documenting the criteria for inspection intervals for the inspection types identified in these standards; (4) Documenting the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the bridge inspection program; (5) Managing bridge inspection reports and files; (6) Performing quality control and quality assurance activities; (7) Preparing, maintaining, and reporting bridge inventory data; (8) Producing valid load ratings and when required, implementing load posting or other restrictions; (9) Managing the activities and corrective actions taken in response to a critical finding; (10) Managing scour appraisals and scour plans of action; and (11) Managing other requirements of these standards. (f) Functions identified in paragraphs (e)(3) through (11) of this section may be delegated to other individuals, agencies, or entities. The delegated roles and functions of all individuals, agencies, and entities involved must be documented by the responsible State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government. Except as provided below, such delegation does not relieve the State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government of any of its responsibilities under this subpart. A Tribal government may, with BIA's or FHWA's concurrence via a formal written agreement, delegate its functions and responsibilities under this subpart to the BIA or FHWA. (g) Each State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government bridge inspection organization must have a program manager with the qualifications defined in § 650.309(a). An employee of the BIA or FHWA having the qualification of a program manager as defined in § 650.309(a) may serve as the program manager for a Tribal government if the Tribal government delegates this responsibility to the BIA or FHWA in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section. § 650.309 Qualifications of personnel. (a) A program manager must, at a minimum: (1) Be a registered Professional Engineer, or have 10 years of bridge inspection experience; (2) Complete an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course as described in paragraph (h) of this section and score 70 percent or greater on an end-of-course assessment (completion of FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training under FHWA regulations in this subpart in effect before June 6, 2022, satisfies the intent of the requirement in this paragraph (a)); (3) Complete a cumulative total of 18 hours of FHWA-approved bridge inspection refresher training over each 60 month period; (4) Maintain documentation supporting the satisfaction of paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section; and (5) Satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (a) within 24 months from June 6, 2022, if serving as a program manager who was qualified under prior FHWA regulations in this subpart. (b) A team leader must, at a minimum: (1) Meet one of the four qualifications listed in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section: (i) Be a registered Professional Engineer and have 6 months of bridge inspection experience; (ii) Have 5 years of bridge inspection experience; (iii) Have all of the following: (A) A bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology from a college or university accredited by or determined as substantially equivalent by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; and (B) Successfully passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering examination; and (C) Two (2) years of bridge inspection experience; or (iv) Have all of the following: (A) An associate's degree in engineering or engineering technology from a college or university accredited by or determined as substantially equivalent by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; and (B) Four (4) years of bridge inspection experience; (2) Complete an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course as described in paragraph (h) of this section and score 70 percent or greater on an end-of-course assessment (completion of FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training under FHWA regulations in this subpart in effect before June 6, 2022, satisfies the intent of the requirement in this paragraph (b)); (3) Complete a cumulative total of 18 hours of FHWA-approved bridge inspection refresher training over each 60 month period; (4) Provide documentation supporting the satisfaction of paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section to the program manager of each State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government for which they are performing bridge inspections; and (5) Satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (b) within 24 months from June 6, 2022, if serving as a team leader who was qualified under prior FHWA regulations in this subpart. (c) Team leaders on NSTM inspections must, at a minimum: (1) Meet the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) Complete an FHWA-approved training course on the inspection of NSTMs as defined in paragraph (h) of this section and score 70 percent or greater on an end-of-course assessment (completion of FHWA-approved NSTM inspection training prior to June 6, 2022, satisfies the intent of the requirement in this paragraph (c)); and (3) Satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (c) within 24 months from June 6, 2022. (d) Load ratings must be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered professional engineer. (e) An Underwater Bridge Inspection Diver must complete FHWA-approved underwater bridge inspection training as described in paragraph (h) of this section and score 70 percent or greater on an end-of-course assessment (completion of FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training or FHWA-approved underwater bridge inspection training under FHWA regulations in this subpart in effect before June 6, 2022, satisfies the intent of the requirement in this paragraph (e)). (f) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, and Tribal governments must establish documented personnel qualifications for Damage and Special Inspection types. (g) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, and Tribal governments that establish risk-based routine inspection intervals that exceed 48 months under § 650.311(a)(2) must establish documented personnel qualifications for the Service Inspection type. (h) The following are considered acceptable bridge inspection training: (1) National Highway Institute training. (i) Comprehensive bridge inspection training, which must include topics of importance to bridge inspection; bridge mechanics and terminology; personal and public safety issues associated with bridge inspections; properties and deficiencies of concrete, steel, timber, and masonry; inspection equipment needs for various types of bridges and site conditions; inspection procedures, evaluations, documentation, data collection, and critical findings for bridge decks, superstructures, substructures, culverts, waterways (including underwater members), joints, bearings, drainage systems, lighting, signs, and traffic safety features; nondestructive evaluation techniques; load path redundancy and fatigue concepts; and practical applications of the concepts listed in this paragraph (h)(1)(i); (ii) Bridge inspection refresher training, which must include topics on documentation of inspections, commonly miscoded items, recognition of critical inspection findings, recent events impacting bridge inspections, and quality assurance activities; (iii) Underwater bridge inspection training, which must include topics on the need for and benefits of underwater bridge inspections; typical defects and deterioration in underwater members; inspection equipment needs for various types of bridges and site conditions; inspection planning and hazard analysis; and underwater inspection procedures, evaluations, documentation, data collection, and critical findings; and (iv) NSTM inspection training, which must include topics on the identification of NSTMs and related problematic structural details; the recognition of areas most susceptible to fatigue and fracture; the evaluation and recording of defects on NSTMs; and the application of nondestructive evaluation techniques. (2) FHWA approval of alternate training. (3) FHWA-approved alternate training under prior regulations. § 650.311 Inspection interval. (a) Routine inspections. (1) Method 1. (i) Regular intervals. (ii) Reduced intervals. (B) Certain bridges meeting any of the following criteria as recorded in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) (see § 650.315) must be inspected at intervals not to exceed 12 months: ( 1 ( 2 (C) Where condition ratings are coded three (3) or less due to localized deficiencies, a special inspection limited to those deficiencies, as described in § 650.313(h), can be used to meet this requirement in lieu of a routine inspection. In such cases, a complete routine inspection must be conducted in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. (iii) Extended intervals. ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 ( 6 ( 7 (B) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, or Tribal governments that implement paragraph (a)(1)(iii)(A) of this section must develop and document an extended interval policy and must notify FHWA in writing prior to implementation. Factors to consider include structure type, design, materials, age, condition ratings, scour, environment, annual average daily traffic and annual average daily truck traffic, history of vehicle impact damage, loads and safe load capacity, and other known deficiencies. (2) Method 2. (i) Endorsement from a RAP, which must be used to develop a formal policy. (ii) Definitions for risk factors, categories, and the probability and consequence levels that are used to define the risk for each bridge to be assessed. (iii) Deterioration modes and attributes that are used in classifying probability and consequence levels, depending on their relevance to the bridge being considered. A system of screening, scoring, and thresholds are defined by the RAP to assess the risks. Scoring is based on prioritizing attributes and their relative influence on deterioration modes. (A) A set of screening criteria must be used to determine how a bridge should be considered in the assessment and to establish maximum inspection intervals. The screening criteria must include: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 (B) The attributes in each assessment must include material properties, loads and safe load capacity, and condition. (C) The deterioration modes in each assessment must include: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 (D) A set of criteria to assess risk for each bridge member in terms of probability and consequence of structural safety or serviceability loss in the time between inspections. (iv) A set of risk assessment criteria, written in standard logical format amenable for computer programming. (v) Supplemental inspection procedures and data collection that are aligned with the level of inspection required to obtain the data to apply the criteria. (vi) A list classifying each bridge into one of four risk categories with a routine inspection interval not to exceed 12, 24, 48, or 72 months. (3) Service inspection. (4) Additional routine inspection interval eligibility. (b) Underwater inspections. (1) Method 1. (i) Regular intervals. (ii) Reduced intervals. (B) Certain bridges meeting at least any of the following criteria as recorded in the NBI (see § 650.315) must be inspected at intervals not to exceed 24 months: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 (C) Where condition ratings are coded three (3) or less due to localized deficiencies, a special inspection of the underwater portions of the bridge limited to those deficiencies, as described in § 650.313(h), can be used to meet this requirement in lieu of a complete underwater inspection. In such cases, a complete underwater inspection must be conducted in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. (iii) Extended intervals. ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 (B) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, or Tribal governments that implement paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(A) of this section must develop and document an underwater extended interval policy and must notify FHWA in writing prior to implementation. Factors to consider include structure type, design, materials, age, condition ratings, scour, environment, annual average daily traffic and annual average daily truck traffic, history of vehicle/vessel impact damage, loads and safe load capacity, and other known deficiencies. (2) Method 2. (c) NSTM inspections. (1) Method 1. (i) Regular intervals. (ii) Reduced intervals. (B) Certain NSTMs meeting the following criteria as recorded in the NBI (see § 650.315) must be inspected at intervals not to exceed 12 months: ( 1 ( 2 (iii) Extended intervals. ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 see ( 6 (B) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, or Tribal governments that implement paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) of this section must develop and document an extended interval policy, and notify FHWA in writing prior to implementation. Factors to consider include structure type, design, materials, age, condition, environment, annual average daily traffic and annual average daily truck traffic, history of vehicle impact damage, loads and safe load capacity, and other known deficiencies. (2) Method 2. (d) Damage, in-depth, and special inspections. (e) Bridge inspection interval tolerance. (2) The acceptable tolerance for intervals of 24 months or greater for the next inspection is up to three (3) months after the month in which the inspection was due. (3) Exceptions to the inspection interval tolerance due to rare and unusual circumstances must be approved by FHWA in advance of the inspection due date plus the tolerance in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section. (f) Next inspection. (g) Implementation. (2) Prior FHWA approved extended inspection interval policies will be rescinded 24 months after June 6, 2022. § 650.313 Inspection procedures. (a) General. see (b) Initial inspection. see (c) Routine inspection. see (d) In-depth inspection. (e) Underwater inspection. (f) NSTM inspection. (i) A State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government may choose to demonstrate a member has system or internal redundancy such that it is not considered an NSTM. The entity may develop and submit a formal request for FHWA approval of procedures using a nationally recognized method to determine that a member has system or internal redundancy. FHWA will review the procedures for approval based upon conformance with the nationally recognized method. The request must include: (A) Written policy and procedures for determining system or internal redundancy. (B) Identification of the nationally recognized method used to determine system or internal redundancy. Nationally recognized means developed, endorsed and disseminated by a national organization with affiliates based in two or more States; or currently adopted for use by one or more State governments or by the Federal Government; and is the most current version. (C) Baseline condition of the bridge(s) to which the policy is being applied. (D) Description of design and construction details on the member(s) that may affect the system or internal redundancy. (E) Routine inspection requirements for bridges with system or internally redundant members. (F) Special inspection requirements for the members with system or internal redundancy. (G) Evaluation criteria for when members should be reviewed to ensure they still have system and internal redundancy. (ii) Inspect the bridge using the approved methods outlined in paragraphs (f)(1)(i)(E) and (F) of this section. (2) Perform hands-on inspections of NSTMs in accordance with the procedures developed in paragraph (g) of this section. (3) Perform the first NSTM inspection for each bridge and for each bridge with rehabilitated NSTMs as soon as practical, but within 12 months of the bridge opening to traffic. (g) NSTM, underwater, in-depth, and complex feature inspection procedures. see (h) Special inspection. see (i) Service inspection. (j) Team leader. (k) Load rating. see (2) Develop and document procedures for completion of new and updated bridge load ratings. Load ratings must be completed as soon as practical, but no later than 3 months after the initial inspection and when a change is identified that warrants a re-rating such as, but not limited to, changes in condition, reconstruction, new construction, or changes in dead or live loads. (3) Analyze routine and special permit loads for each bridge that these loads cross to verify the bridge can safely carry the load. (l) Load posting. see (2) Develop and document procedures for timely load posting based upon the load capacity and characteristics such as annual average daily traffic, annual average daily truck traffic, and loading conditions. Posting shall be made as soon as possible but not later than 30 days after a load rating determines a need for such posting. Implement load posting in accordance with these procedures. (3) Missing or illegible posting signs shall be corrected as soon as possible but not later than 30 days after inspection or other notification determines a need. (m) Closed bridges. (n) Bridge files. see (o) Scour. (2) For bridges which are determined to be scour critical or have unknown foundations, prepare and document a scour POA for deployment of scour countermeasures for known and potential deficiencies, and to address safety concerns. The plan must address a schedule for repairing or installing physical and/or hydraulic scour countermeasures, and/or the use of monitoring as a scour countermeasure. Scour plans of actions should be consistent with HEC 18 and 23. (3) Execute action in accordance with the plan. (p) Quality control and quality assurance. see (2) Document the extent, interval, and responsible party for the review of inspection teams in the field, inspection reports, NBI data, and computations, including scour appraisal and load ratings. QC and QA reviews are to be performed by personnel other than the individual who completed the original report or calculations. (3) Perform QC and QA reviews and document the results of the QC and QA process, including the tracking and completion of actions identified in the procedures. (4) Address the findings of the QC and QA reviews. (q) Critical findings. (i) Define critical findings considering the location and the redundancy of the member affected and the extent and consequence of a deficiency. Deficiencies include, but are not limited to scour, damage, corrosion, section loss, settlement, cracking, deflection, distortion, delamination, loss of bearing, and any condition posing an imminent threat to public safety. At a minimum, include findings which warrant the following: (A) Full or partial closure of any bridge; (B) An NSTM to be rated in serious or worse condition, as defined in the NBI ( see (C) A deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert component to be rated in critical or worse condition, as defined in the NBI ( see (D) The channel condition or scour condition to be rated in critical or worse condition as defined in the NBI ( see (E) Immediate load restriction or posting, or immediate repair work to a bridge, including shoring, in order to remain open. (ii) Develop and document timeframes to address critical findings identified in paragraph (q)(1)(i) of this section. (2) State transportation departments, Federal agencies, and Tribal governments must inform FHWA of all critical findings and actions taken, underway, or planned to resolve critical findings as follows: (i) Notify FHWA within 24 hours of discovery of each critical finding on the National Highway System (NHS) as identified in paragraphs (q)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this section; (ii) Provide monthly, or as requested, a written status report for each critical finding as identified in paragraph (q)(1)(i) of this section until resolved. The report must contain: (A) Owner; (B) NBI Structure Number; (C) Date of finding; (D) Description and photos (if available) of critical finding; (E) Description of completed, temporary and/or planned corrective actions to address critical finding; (F) Status of corrective actions: Active/Completed; (G) Estimated date of completion if corrective actions are active; and (H) Date of completion if corrective actions are completed. (r) Review of compliance. [87 FR 27429, May 6, 2022, as amended at 87 FR 57821, Sept. 22, 2022] § 650.315 Inventory. (a) Each State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government must prepare and maintain an inventory of all bridges subject to this subpart. Inventory data, as defined in § 650.305, must be collected, updated, and retained by the responsible State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government and submitted to FHWA on an annual basis or whenever requested. For temporary bridges open to traffic greater than 24 months, inventory data must be collected and submitted per this section. Inventory data must include element level bridge inspection data for bridges on the NHS collected in accordance with the “Manual for Bridge Element Inspection” (incorporated by reference, see see (b) For all inspection types, enter changes to the inventory data into the State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government inventory within 3 months after the month when the field portion of the inspection is completed. (c) For modifications to existing bridges that alter previously recorded inventory data and for newly constructed bridges, enter the inventory data into the State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government inventory within 3 months after the month of opening to traffic. (d) For changes in load restriction or closure status, enter the revised inventory data into the State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government inventory within 3 months after the month the change in load restriction or closure status of the bridge is implemented. (e) Each State transportation department, Federal agency, or Tribal government must establish and document a process that ensures the time constraint requirements of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section are fulfilled. § 650.317 Incorporation by reference . Certain material is incorporated by reference (IBR) into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact DOT at: U.S. Department of Transportation Library, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 in Room W12-300, (800) 853-1351, www.ntl.bts.gov/ntl. [email protected] www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (a) AASHTO. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 555 12th Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004; 1-800-231-3475; https://store.transportation.org. (1) MBE-3. “The Manual for Bridge Evaluation,” Third Edition, 2018; IBR approved for § 650.305 and 650.313.: (2) MBE-3-I1-OL. The Manual for Bridge Evaluation, 2019 Interim Revisions [to 2018 Third Edition], copyright 2018; IBR approved for § 650.305 and 650.313. (3) MBE-3-I2. The Manual for Bridge Evaluation, 2020 Interim Revisions [to 2018 Third Edition], copyright 2020; IBR approved for § 650.305 and 650.313. (4) MBEI-2: Manual for Bridge Element Inspection, Second Edition, 2019, IBR approved for § 650.315. (b) FHWA. Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590: 1-202-366-4000; www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nbi.cfm. (1) FHWA-HIF-22-017: Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory, March, 2022, IBR approved for § 650.315. (2) [Reserved]. Subpart D [Reserved] Subpart E—National Tunnel Inspection Standards Source: 80 FR 41368, July 14, 2015, unless otherwise noted. § 650.501 Purpose. This subpart sets the national minimum standards for the proper safety inspection and evaluation of all highway tunnels in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 144(h) and the requirements for preparing and maintaining an inventory in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 144(b). § 650.503 Applicability. The National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) in this subpart apply to all structures defined as highway tunnels on all public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, including tribally and federally owned tunnels. § 650.505 Definitions. The following terms used in this subpart are defined as follows: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Bridge Evaluation. At-grade roadway. Bridge inspection experience. Complex tunnel. Comprehensive tunnel inspection training. Critical finding. Damage inspection. End-of-course assessment. Federal-aid highway. Functional systems. Hands-on inspection. Highway. In-depth inspection. Initial inspection. Inspection Date. Legal load. Load rating. Operating rating. Portal. Procedures. Professional Engineer (P.E.). Program Manager. Public road. Quality assurance (QA). Quality control (QC). Routine inspection. Routine permit load. Special inspection. State transportation department (State DOT). Team Leader. Tunnel. Tunnel inspection experience. Tunnel inspection refresher training. Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual. see Tunnel-specific inspection procedures. § 650.507 Tunnel inspection organization responsibilities. (a) Each State DOT shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, all highway tunnels located on public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, that are fully or partially located within the State's boundaries, except for tunnels that are owned by Federal agencies or tribal governments. (b) Each Federal agency shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, all highway tunnels located on public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, that are fully or partially located within the respective agency's responsibility or jurisdiction. (c) Each tribal government shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, all highway tunnels located on public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, that are fully or partially located within the respective tribal government's responsibility or jurisdiction. (d) Where a tunnel is jointly owned, all bordering States, Federal agencies, and tribal governments with ownership interests should determine through a joint formal written agreement the inspection responsibilities of each State, Federal agency, and tribal government. (e) Each State that contains one or more tunnels subject to these regulations, or Federal agency or tribal government with a tunnel under its jurisdiction, shall include a tunnel inspection organization that is responsible for all of the following: (1) Statewide, Federal agency-wide, or tribal government-wide tunnel inspection policies and procedures (both general and tunnel-specific), quality control and quality assurance procedures, and preparation and maintenance of a tunnel inventory. (2) Tunnel inspections, written reports, load ratings, management of critical findings, and other requirements of these standards. (3) Maintaining a registry of nationally certified tunnel inspectors that work in their State or for their Federal agency or tribal government that includes, at a minimum, a method to positively identify each inspector, documentation that the inspector's training requirements are up-to-date, the inspector's current contact information, and detailed information about any adverse action that may affect the good standing of the inspector. (4) A process, developed under the direction of a Professional Engineer and approved by FHWA, to determine when an inspection Team Leader's qualifications must meet § 650.509(b)(4) in order to adequately and appropriately lead an inspection of a complex tunnel or a tunnel with distinctive features or functions. At a minimum, the process shall consider a tunnel's type of construction, functional systems, history of performance, and physical and operational conditions. (f) A State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government may delegate functions identified in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this section through a formal written agreement, but such delegation does not relieve the State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government of any of its responsibilities under this subpart. (g) The State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government tunnel inspection organization shall have a Program Manager with the qualifications listed in § 650.509(a), who has been delegated responsibility for paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this section. § 650.509 Qualifications of personnel. (a) A Program Manager shall, at a minimum: (1) Be a registered Professional Engineer, or have 10 years of tunnel or bridge inspection experience; (2) Be a nationally certified tunnel inspector; (3) Satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section by August 13, 2017; and (4) Be able to determine when a Team Leader's qualifications must meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section in accordance with the FHWA approved process developed in accordance with § 650.507(e)(4). (b) A Team Leader shall, at a minimum: (1) Meet at least one of the four qualifications listed in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section: (i) Be a registered professional engineer and have six months of tunnel or bridge inspection experience. (ii) Have 5 years of tunnel or bridge inspection experience. (iii) Have all of the following: (A) A bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology from a college or university accredited or determined as substantially equivalent by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. (B) Successfully passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering examination. (C) Two (2) years of tunnel or bridge inspection experience. (iv) Have all of the following: (A) An associate's degree in engineering or engineering technology from a college or university accredited or determined as substantially equivalent by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. (B) Four years of tunnel or bridge inspection experience. (2) Be a nationally certified tunnel inspector. (3) Provide documentation supporting the satisfaction of paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section to the Program Manager of each State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government for which they are performing tunnel inspections. (4) Be a registered Professional Engineer and have six months of tunnel or bridge inspection experience if the Program Manager determines through the approved process developed under § 650.507(e)(4) that the tunnel being inspected is complex or has distinctive features or functions that warrant this level of qualifications. (c) Load ratings shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered Professional Engineer. (d) Each State DOT, Federal agency, and tribal government shall determine inspection personnel qualifications for damage, cursory, and special inspections. (e) A nationally certified tunnel inspector shall: (1) Complete an FHWA-approved comprehensive tunnel inspection training course and score 70 percent or greater on an end-of-course assessment; (2) Complete a cumulative total of 18 hours of FHWA-approved tunnel inspection refresher training over each 60 month period; and (3) Maintain documentation supporting the satisfaction of paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, and, upon request, provide documentation of their training status and current contact information to the Tunnel Inspection Organization of each State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government for which they will be performing tunnel inspections. (f) Acceptable tunnel inspection training includes the following: (1) National Highway Institute training. (2) FHWA approval of alternate training. (g) In evaluating the tunnel inspection experience requirements under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, a combination of tunnel design, tunnel maintenance, tunnel construction, and tunnel inspection experience, with the predominant amount in tunnel inspection, is acceptable. Also, the following criteria should be considered: (1) The relevance of the individual's actual experience, including the extent to which the experience has enabled the individual to develop the skills needed to properly lead a tunnel safety inspection. (2) The individual's exposure to the problems or deficiencies common in the types of tunnels being inspected by the individual. (3) The individual's understanding of the specific data collection needs and requirements. § 650.511 Inspection interval. (a) Initial inspection. (1) For existing tunnels, conduct a routine inspection of each tunnel according to the inspection guidance provided in the Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual (incorporated by reference, see (2) For tunnels completed after these regulations take effect, the initial routine inspection shall be conducted after all construction is completed and prior to opening to traffic, according to the inspection guidance provided in the Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual (incorporated by reference, see (b) Routine inspections. (1) Establish for each tunnel the NTIS routine Inspection Date in a month and year (MM/DD/YYYY) format. This date should only be modified by the Program Manager in rare circumstances. (2) Inspect each tunnel at regular 24-month intervals. (3) For tunnels needing inspection more frequently than 24-month intervals, establish criteria to determine the level and frequency to which these tunnels are inspected, based on a risk analysis approach that considers such factors as tunnel age, traffic characteristics, geotechnical conditions, and known deficiencies. (4) Certain tunnels may be inspected at regular intervals up to 48 months. Inspecting a tunnel at an increased interval may be appropriate when past inspection findings and analysis justifies the increased inspection interval. At a minimum, the following criteria shall be used to determine the level and frequency of inspection based on an assessed lower risk: Tunnel age, time from last major rehabilitation, tunnel complexity, traffic characteristics, geotechnical conditions, functional systems, and known deficiencies. A written request that justifies a regular routine inspection interval between 24 and 48 months shall be submitted to FHWA for review and comment prior to the extended interval being implemented. (5) Inspect each tunnel in accordance with the established interval. The acceptable tolerance for inspection interval is within 2 months before or after the Inspection Date established in paragraph (b)(1) of this section in order to maintain that date. The actual month, day, and year of the inspection are to be reported in the National Tunnel Inventory. (c) Damage, in-depth, and special inspections. § 650.513 Inspection procedures. Each State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government tunnel inspection organization, to carry out its inspection responsibilities, shall perform or cause to be performed all of the following: (a) Inspect tunnel structural elements and functional systems in accordance with the inspection guidance provided in the Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual (incorporated by reference, see (b) Provide at least one Team Leader, who meets the minimum qualifications stated in § 650.509, at the tunnel at all times during each initial, routine, and in-depth inspection. The State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government shall report the nationally certified tunnel inspector identification for each Team Leader that is wholly or partly responsible for a tunnel inspection must be reported to the National Tunnel Inventory. (c) Prepare and document tunnel-specific inspection procedures for each tunnel inspected and inventoried that shall: (1) Take into account the design assumptions and the tunnel complexity; and (2) Identify the— (i) Tunnel structural elements and functional systems to be inspected; (ii) Methods of inspection to be used; (iii) Frequency of inspection for each method; and (iv) Inspection equipment, access equipment, and traffic coordination needed. (d) Establish requirements for functional system testing, direct observation of critical system checks, and testing documentation. (e) For complex tunnels, identify specialized inspection procedures and additional inspector training and experience required to inspect complex tunnels. Inspect complex tunnels according to the specialized inspection procedures. (f) Conduct tunnel inspections with qualified staff not associated with the operation or maintenance of the tunnel structure or functional systems. (g) Rate each tunnel's safe vehicular load-carrying capacity in accordance with the Sections 6 or 8, AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (incorporated by reference, see see (h) Prepare tunnel inspection documentation as described in the Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual (incorporated by reference, see (i) Use systematic quality control and quality assurance procedures to maintain a high degree of accuracy and consistency in the inspection program. Include periodic field review of inspection teams, data quality checks, and independent review of inspection reports and computations. (j) Establish a Statewide, Federal agency-wide, or tribal government-wide procedure to ensure that critical findings are addressed in a timely manner. Notify FHWA within 24 hours of any critical finding and the activities taken, underway, or planned to resolve or monitor the critical finding. Update FHWA regularly or as requested on the status of each critical finding until it is resolved. Annually provide a written report to FHWA with a summary of the current status of the resolutions for each critical finding identified within that year or unresolved from a previous year. (k) Provide information at least annually, or more frequently upon request, in cooperation with any FHWA review of State DOT, Federal agency, or tribal government compliance with the NTIS. The FHWA will assess annually State DOT compliance using statistical assessments and well-defined measures based on the requirements of this subpart. § 650.515 Inventory. (a) Preliminary inventory. see (b) National Tunnel Inventory. (c) Data entry for inspections. (d) Data entry for tunnel modifications and new tunnels. (e) Data entry for tunnel load restriction and closure changes. § 650.517 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the FHWA must publish notice of change in the Federal Register http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html (b) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Suite 249, 444 N. Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC 20001, 800-231-3475, https://bookstore.transportation.org (1) “The Manual of Bridge Evaluation,” Section 6 “Load Rating” and Section 8 “Nondestructive Load Testing,” Second Edition, 2011, copyright 2011, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 650.505 and 650.513(a). (2) 2011 Interim Revisions to “The Manual of Bridge Evaluation,” Section 6 “Load Rating,” Second Edition, 2010, copyright 2011, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 650.505 and 650.513(a). (3) 2013 Interim Revisions to “The Manual of Bridge Evaluation,” Section 6 “Load Rating,” Second Edition, 2010, copyright 2013, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 650.505 and 650.513(a). (4) 2014 Interim Revisions to “The Manual of Bridge Evaluation,” Section 6 “Load Rating,” Second Edition, 2010, copyright 2013, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 650.505 and 650.513(a). (5) 2015 Interim Revisions to “The Manual of Bridge Evaluation,” Section 6 “Load Rating,” Second Edition, 2010, copyright 2014, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 650.505 and 650.513(a). (c) Office of Bridges and Structures, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. (1) FHWA-HIF-15-005, “Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual,” 2015 edition, available in electronic format at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/inspection/tunnel/ (2) FHWA-HIF-15-006, “Specifications for National Tunnel Inventory,” 2015 edition, available in electronic format at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/inspection/tunnel/ Subparts F-G [Reserved] Subpart H—Navigational Clearances for Bridges Source: 52 FR 28139, July 28, 1987, unless otherwise noted. § 650.801 Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish policy and to set forth coordination procedures for Federal-aid highway bridges which require navigational clearances. § 650.803 Policy. It is the policy of FHWA: (a) To provide clearances which meet the reasonable needs of navigation and provide for cost-effective highway operations, (b) To provide fixed bridges wherever practicable, and (c) To consider appropriate pier protection and vehicular protective and warning systems on bridges subject to ship collisions. § 650.805 Bridges not requiring a USCG permit. (a) The FHWA has the responsibility under 23 U.S.C. 144(h) to determine that a USCG permit is not required for bridge construction. This determination shall be made at an early stage of project development so that any necessary coordination can be accomplished during environmental processing. (b) A USCG permit shall not be required if the FHWA determines that the proposed construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of the federally aided or assisted bridge is over waters (1) which are not used or are not susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce and (2) which are (i) not tidal, or (ii) if tidal, used only by recreational boating, fishing, and other small vessels less than 21 feet in length. (c) The highway agency (HA) shall assess the need for a USCG permit or navigation lights or signals for proposed bridges. The HA shall consult the appropriate District Offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if the susceptibility to improvement for navigation of the water of concern is unknown and shall consult the USCG if the types of vessels using the waterway are unknown. (d) For bridge crossings of waterways with navigational traffic where the HA believes that a USCG permit may not be required, the HA shall provide supporting information early in the environmental analysis stage of project development to enable the FHWA to make a determination that a USCG permit is not required and that proposed navigational clearances are reasonable. (e) Since construction in waters exempt from a USCG permit may be subject to other USCG authorizations, such as approval of navigation lights and signals and timely notice to local mariners of waterway changes, the USCG should be notified whenever the proposed action may substantially affect local navigation. § 650.807 Bridges requiring a USCG permit. (a) The USCG has the responsibility (1) to determine whether a USCG permit is required for the improvement or construction of a bridge over navigable waters except for the exemption exercised by FHWA in § 650.805 and (2) to approve the bridge location, alignment and appropriate navigational clearances in all bridge permit applications. (b) A USCG permit shall be required when a bridge crosses waters which are: (1) tidal and used by recreational boating, fishing, and other small vessels 21 feet or greater in length or (2) used or susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce. If it is determined that a USCG permit is required, the project shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures. (c) The HA shall initiate coordination with the USCG at an early stage of project development and provide opportunity for the USCG to be involved throughout the environmental review process in accordance with 23 CFR part 771. The FHWA and Coast Guard have developed internal guidelines which set forth coordination procedures that both agencies have found useful in streamlining and expediting the permit approval process. These guidelines include (1) USCG/FHWA Procedures for Handling Projects which Require a USCG Permit 1 2 1 2 (d) The HA shall accomplish sufficient preliminary design and consultation during the environmental phase of project development to investigate bridge concepts, including the feasibility of any proposed movable bridges, the horizontal and vertical clearances that may be required, and other location considerations which may affect navigation. At least one fixed bridge alternative shall be included with any proposal for a movable bridge to provide a comparative analysis of engineering, social, economic and environmental benefit and impacts. (e) The HA shall consider hydraulic, safety, environmental and navigational needs along with highway costs when designing a proposed navigable waterway crossing. (f) For bridges where the risk of ship collision is significant, HA's shall consider, in addition to USCG requirements, the need for pier protection and warning systems as outlined in FHWA Technical Advisory 5140.19, Pier Protection and Warning Systems for Bridges Subject to Ship Collisions, dated February 11, 1983. (g) Special navigational clearances shall normally not be provided for accommodation of floating construction equipment of any type that is not required for navigation channel maintenance. If the navigational clearances are influenced by the needs of such equipment, the USCG should be consulted to determine the appropriate clearances to be provided. (h) For projects which require FHWA approval of plans, specifications and estimates, preliminary bridge plans shall be approved at the appropriate level by FHWA for structural concepts, hydraulics, and navigational clearances prior to submission of the permit application. (i) If the HA bid plans contain alternative designs for the same configuration (fixed or movable), the permit application shall be prepared in sufficient detail so that all alternatives can be evaluated by the USCG. If appropriate, the USCG will issue a permit for all alternatives. Within 30 days after award of the construction contract, the USCG shall be notified by the HA of the alternate which was selected. The USCG procedure for evaluating permit applications which contain alternates is presented in its Bridge Administration Manual (COMDT INST M16590.5). 3 3 § 650.809 Movable span bridges. A fixed bridge shall be selected wherever practicable. If there are social, economic, environmental or engineering reasons which favor the selection of a movable bridge, a cost benefit analysis to support the need for the movable bridge shall he prepared as a part of the preliminary plans.