HomeMy WebLinkAboutDOC130tAS, Departrrrent
of Tronspori�alion
Federal Highway
Administration
Hawaii Federal -Aid Division
Mr. Ford Fuchigami, Director
Hawaii Department of Transportation
869 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813-5097
February 6, 2017
300 Ala Moana Blvd, Rm 3-306
Box 50206
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-2700
Fax: (808)541-2704
In Reply Refer To:
HDA -HI
Subject: NATIONAL BRIDGE INSPECTION STANDARDS (NBIS)
PERFORMANCE YEAR 2016 NBIS ANNUAL PROGRAM
NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE
HAWAII COUNTY HAKALAU STREAM BRIDGE [NBIS #0012900011000031
Dear Mr. Fuchigami:
On December 20, 2007, the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works (DPW) developed a
Bridge Scour Monitoring Plan of Action and (POA) a Bridge Closure Plan for the subject bridge
due to the localized scour and undermining of the southeast and northwest corner of the arch
footing. The POA states "countermeasures will be included in the bridge rehabilitation contract
being programmed to be bidded in the 2nd quarter of 2010."
In March 2016, an underwater inspection report on the subject bridge detailed the scour and
identified the north end ledger supporting the abutment and bridge foundation to be scour critical
since the scour depth was 17 to 25 feet deep horizontally and 5.5 to 8 feet vertically and under
the bridge foundation.
In July 2016, we conducted an annual review of the bridges on the Island of Hawaii in
accordance with your National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). During this review, the
Hawaii County Hakalau Stream Bridge was noted as a critical inspection finding and the county
was requested to provide a plan of corrective action to address the scour critical condition.
On August 4, 2016, we notified Hawaii Department of Transportation of the situation and listed
recommendations for interim measures, which included agreeing with DPW's thoughts that
restricting traffic to pedestrian traffic or complete closure of the bridge would be the safest
precaution to take until the structural repairs can be accomplished.
On August 31, 2017, DPW submitted a Plan of Action. Over five months has passed and it is
our understanding that DPW has yet to initiate or complete all of the 6 items.
N
Given the extent of the undermining resulting in a major unsupported area of rock ledge (or
rubble masonry slope paving) under the north abutment, it is our professional judgment that this
bridge is unable to safely carry any vehicular loads for any extended period of time. The lack of
substantive remedial action has resulted in a situation where vehicular traffic under 6 tons
continues to traverse this unsafe bridge, with no plan to permanently address the situation. This
is an unacceptable condition and necessitates immediate action to restrict traffic to pedestrian
traffic or complete closure of the bridge to ensure the public's safety at this stream crossing.
In cases where local public agency bridge owners fail to address safety concerns, the State shall
take immediate action to address the public safety concern. Our memorandum of June 13, 2011
Bridge Inspection Program Responsibilities of the States, enclosed for your reference, states:
"Issues involving failure to close or post load restrictions on bridges in need of these measures
are potentially very serious and warrant the highest degree of action by the States."
We will check on the status of the subject bridge in one week. Failure to immediately close the
bridge to vehicular traffic may result in additional action by FHWA to obtain compliance with
the regulatory requirements and ensure public safety at this bridge. HDOT should also provide
any technical assistance to DPW that is needed in further evaluation or manpower resources in
properly closing the bridge. Federal funds are available to make the needed repairs.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. We are available to discuss these
issues in further detail. Please contact me at (808)541-2312 or via email at ralph.rizzo(e dot.gov.
Sincerely,
/0)-R—alph J. Rizzo
ivision Administrator
Enclosure
r. N'
cc: (via e-mail w/enclosures)
Ed Sniffen, HDOT
Scot Urada, HWY
G.
John Williams, HWY-C
Sterling Chow, HWY-H
Marshall Ando, HWY-D
James Fu, HWY-DB
Dean Takiguchi, HWY-DB
Curtis Matsuda, HWY-DH
Barry Brecto, FHWA