Public Affairs

 

On March 24, 2009, Congressman Michael Conaway (R-TX) introduced the Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 (HR 1682). In support of Rep. Conaway, Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-OH) signed HR 1682 as an original cosponsor of the legislation. 

 

Upon introducing HR 1682, Congressman Conaway said, “Bridge collapses and closures should be a wakeup call for lawmakers. Our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling due to improper planning, negligence and inadequate management at all levels of governments.” Rep. Conaway further stated, “The ongoing cost of corrosion on U.S. bridges represents a needless waste of taxpayer dollars. It is my hope that my colleagues understand the importance of taking a proactive initiative and pass this important legislation. We cannot ignore the fact that lives have been lost due to past negligence, and more will be if we don’t address our nation’s aging infrastructure.”

 

Congressman Conaway’s Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 sets new standards for bridges that receive federal assistance by requiring the states to develop a bridge structure maintenance plan, including corrosion mitigation and prevention measures, for all bridges undergoing repair, rehabilitation or construction. The states must ensure all designers, inspectors and maintenance individuals are certified in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques. States must also develop a project maintenance program that must contain expected useful life of the bridge and details of corrosion mitigation and prevention methods in construction and maintenance of the bridge.

 

Since arriving in Washington, D.C., Congressman Conaway and Congresswoman Sutton have been at the forefront of bridge infrastructure legislation and other initiatives NACE International believes are important to the preservation of America’s infrastructure assets.

 

Like Congressman Conaway’s previous bridge preservation legislation, Rep. Conaway’s Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 amends Title 23 of the United States Code so to require states to develop corrosion mitigation and prevention plans for all bridges undergoing repair, rehabilitation or construction. In developing and implementing a highway bridge management system, HR 1682 requires states to identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods that will be used to preserve the highway bridges in the state, taking into account: material selection; coating considerations; cathodic protection considerations; design considerations for corrosion; and concrete requirements.

 

Further, HR 1682 requires states to establish a project maintenance program for highway bridges in the state for the purpose of extending the life of each highway bridge; ensure that all highway bridge designers, inspectors, and maintenance individuals implementing the system are trained and certified in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques; and research current inspection technologies and techniques for highway bridges.

 

Lastly, HR 1682 requires that states shall carry out the requirements in consultation with engineers and other experts specializing in corrosion mitigation and prevention methods.

 

“It is clear that Congressman Conaway has a long term vision for America’s bridge infrastructure assets. He understands the great losses that will occur if Congress continues to allow our nation’s infrastructure to continue to decline and deteriorate. America cannot afford to rebuild our nation’s entire critical infrastructure. As a result, asset preservation is paramount and the key to continued economic vitality. Infrastructure is central to America remaining globally competitive. HR 1682 is an excellent step in the right direction,” said Mark J. Byerley, Sr., NACE International President.

 

In addition to HR 1682, NACE International has addressed the aging infrastructure in the United States with training and events related to bridge corrosion.