Biennial Underwater Bridge Inspection of US Route 50 Westbound over Chesapeake Bay (Contract AE-2762-000-001/MDTA)
Annapolis and Kent Island, Maryland
In 2014, W.J. Castle, P.E. & Associates, P.C. performed the underwater inspection of Piers 29 through 46 of the Westbound Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Diving operations included approximately 2 weeks for cleaning work and 6 weeks for underwater inspection. The dive team for the underwater inspection consisted of a 3 or a 4-person OSHA-regulated certified dive crew experienced in underwater inspection under the direction and supervision of a Maryland Professional Engineer. Diving operations were in strict accordance with the 2008 Navy Dive Tables, OSHA and the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) dive safety regulations. A Level I (visual, tactile) underwater inspection was performed on all exposed portions of the submerged elements at each substructure unit. All elements were visually inspected, with tactile examinations as required to obtain structural data. A Level II (detailed inspection with partial cleaning) underwater inspection was performed on approximately 25% of all exposed portions of the submerged elements. The inspection report was separated into four units and all documents were uploaded to ASIR in accordance with Maryland Transportation Authority requirements.