Following a disastrous loss of two major bridge spans in Atlanta, Georgia last March from a fire of material stored underneath, Caltrans management had a team review the policies and practices of Caltrans for storage of materials under bridges. The task team consisted of staff from the Divisions of Maintenance, Right of Way, Traffic Operations, Construction, Local Assistance, and Engineering Services.
The representatives of the six Divisions agreed at our final meeting that a single guidance reference is needed for the Department in order to incorporate uniform practices in all operations. The Structure Policy Board agreed to develop this reference.
Linked is the signed Structure Policy Directive 1-8 “Material Storage Under Bridges”. The expectation is that all Divisions implement practices as outlined in this Directive in their own Division guidance manuals, documents and training as appropriate for your operations.
Local agencies should review the attachment and their own policies and practices regarding material storage under bridges. The directive is for Local Agency information only.
PDF of Structure Policy Directive 1-8 titled “Material Storage Under Bridges”
