PennDot bridge inspection process needs improvement, says performance audit

(WHTM)– A performance audit of the PennDOT bridge inspection process shows that the system needs improvement, according to Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor.

General Auditor DeFoor highlighted the need for improvements in PennDOT’s bridge inspections, especially for bridges in poor condition. ‘

“I am here to tell you as an auditor that processes matter,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “It’s important for our safety and the investment of our tax dollars that all bridge inspection reports are consistent, filed on time and the qualifications of the teams doing the inspections are readily available. By implementing the process improvements identified by our auditors, PennDOT can provide consistent reporting that ensures these bridges can be maintained, repaired and replaced without having a major bridge failure.”

Auditor General DeFoor said bridges labeled as “in poor condition” are not unstable or at risk of falling. This means the bridge is undergoing repairs but can still be used safely.

The performance audit of the bridge inspection process’s main objectives was to determine the process for inspecting state-owned bridges whose conditions are deemed as poor, evaluate whether PennDOT complied with applicable laws, guidelines, and procedures regarding identifying bridges as poor, and determine and evaluate compliance with PennDOT’s policies and procedures for responding to bridges identified as having critical/failed ratings.

DeFoor said the audit had seven findings and made 24 recommendations. These findings focused on ensuring PennDOT consistently followed policies and procedures regarding information included in bridge reports.

“There is a path forward to correct these issues, and for the most part, PennDOT agreed,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “PennDOT is working to reduce the number of bridges in poor condition by repairing or replacing them as time and tax dollars allow.”

PennDOT is responsible for 25,400 state-owned bridges in Pennsylvania— the state with the third-largest number of bridges, according to Auditor General DeFoor.

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