Bill would let Mich. have risk-based bridge inspections

Lansing — The Michigan Legislature is preparing to consider legislation responding to a recent audit that found some state bridge inspections weren’t always completed on time or thoroughly.

A bill introduced Wednesday by Republican Rep. Ben Glardon of Owosso would change the Michigan Department of Transportation’s bridge-inspection policy from an inspection every two years to inspections based on risk.

A March report from the state Auditor General found that moving to risk-based inspection could improve efficiency by freeing up resources for more frequent inspections of structurally deficient bridges.

Glardon said the bill lets the state agency “make the best use of its resources to keep our roads safe.”

If the bill passes, the state would also have to win federal approval for moving to a risk-based inspection program.