Item(s) of Interest: Cored slab bridge with several 50 ft. spans and end bents on drilled shafts. Bridge completed approximately 5 years ago. Sheet piling was not installed behind the end bent drilled piers, and there is very low under clearance for inspection.
Observations and Points of Discussion:
Such low water bridges are necessary because often it is too costly to raise the bridge to above 100 year flood levels.
Could the Department use large boulders more often to protect end slopes? Yes, however:
Large stones have large voids allowing flow.
Filling in with smaller stones makes them subject to migrating.
NC DOT
NC DOH
NC GOV
