Seattle Department of Transportation: Strategic Approach to Vehicle Bridge Maintenance is Warranted

 

Sean DeBlieck, Deputy City Auditor David G. Jones, City Auditor

Seattle Office of City Auditor

September 11, 2020 

 

 

Seattle Department of Transportation: Strategic Approach to Vehicle Bridge Maintenance is Warranted

 

Report Highlights

Background

In this audit we analyzed 77 vehicle bridges that are owned and maintained by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). SDOT is also responsible for several non-vehicle bridges, and shares maintenance responsibilities on bridges owned by other entities, such as the state of Washington. Over the past 14 years, the average amount SDOT spent on bridge maintenance was $6.6 million annually.

What We Found

The City of Seattle (City) recognizes the need for more investment in bridge maintenance, but is not spending enough on the upkeep and preservation of its bridges, and risks becoming out of compliance with federal regulations. National data show that most Seattle vehicle bridges are in fair condition (using the federal rating system of good, fair, and poor), and the condition of the City’s bridges has worsened over the last ten years. We also found legacy practices that affect the use of SDOT’s current maintenance funding.

Recommendations

We identified ways in which the City could better use its current bridge maintenance resources and remain in compliance with federal standards. However, to address the issue of aging bridge infrastructure, SDOT should develop a strategic bridge preservation program to make the most efficient use of current resources and to develop more effective plans for future needs.

Department Response

In their response to our report, SDOT stated that they generally concurred with the report findings (see Appendices A and B).

WHY WE DID THIS AUDIT

The unexpected closure of the West Seattle High Bridge in March of 2020 raises questions about the adequacy of the City’s oversight of its bridge portfolio. Seattle City Councilmember Alex Pedersen requested this audit to assess the physical condition of and maintenance investments in vehicle bridges in Seattle.

HOW WE DID THIS AUDIT

To accomplish the audit’s objectives, we reviewed requirements from the Federal Highway Administration, analyzed National Bridge Inspection (NBI) data and City of Seattle financial data, interviewed knowledgeable SDOT, state, and federal employees, and observed SDOT bridge inspections.

West Seattle High Bridge (left) and Low Bridge (right)

Seattle Office of City Auditor

David G. Jones, City Auditor www.seattle.ov/citauditor

 

Seattle Department of Transportation: Strategic Approach to Vehicle Bridge Maintenance is Warranted

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1

 

SEATTLE BRIDGE CONDITIONS AND BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SPENDING ................................. 4

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE SDOT’S MANAGEMENT OF BRIDGES ....................................... 11

 

OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY ............................................................................... 18

 

APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................................ 20

 

Department Response ........................................................................................................................................... 20

 

APPENDIX B ................................................................................................................................ 23

 

List of Recommendations and Department Response ................................................................................. 23

 

APPENDIX C ................................................................................................................................ 26

 

Audit Request Letter .............................................................................................................................................. 26

 

APPENDIX D ............................................................................................................................... 28

 

List of 77 SDOT Vehicle Bridges ......................................................................................................................... 28

 

APPENDIX E ................................................................................................................................ 30

 

Results of Financial Policy Survey ...................................................................................................................... 30

 

APPENDIX F ................................................................................................................................ 32

 

Seattle Office of City Auditor Mission, Background, and Quality Assurance ......................................... 32