How to Be Highway/Bridge Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 4, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The construction and maintenance of highways and bridges is an important part of a functioning society. As these structures are used by millions of people every day, it is essential that they are properly inspected and maintained in order to ensure public safety. Highway/Bridge Inspectors are responsible for the inspection of these structures, and the consequences of not doing this job correctly can be disastrous.

Poorly maintained roads can lead to traffic congestion, increased accidents, and damage to vehicles. Defective bridges can collapse and cause injury or death to drivers and passengers. the costs associated with repairs or replacements can be extremely high, resulting in financial losses for governments, businesses, and taxpayers.

Therefore, the job of a Highway/Bridge Inspector is essential in order to prevent these issues and keep the public safe.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for highway and bridge inspectors. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you can obtain one through a local high school, adult education center, or online program.
Pursue a Degree in Civil Engineering. Many employers prefer to hire highway and bridge inspectors that have a degree in civil engineering. You can pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at a college or university.
Get Relevant Work Experience. It is beneficial to gain relevant work experience before applying for a position as a highway and bridge inspector. You can gain experience through an internship or job in the construction industry, such as a construction laborer, surveyor, or engineer.
Obtain Certification. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain certification in order to become a highway and bridge inspector. Check with your local government to find out what certifications are necessary.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for jobs as a highway and bridge inspector. You can search online job boards, contact local engineering firms, or check with your state government for job postings.

Highway and bridge inspectors are highly skilled and competent professionals who are responsible for inspecting highways and bridges for safety and compliance with regulations. Thorough inspections are essential to ensure the safe operation of these structures and protect the public from potential hazards. To become a competent inspector, one must possess an in-depth knowledge of engineering principles, and be knowledgeable about the latest developments in highway and bridge construction, materials, and safety regulations.

Therefore, it is essential for highway and bridge inspectors to stay up to date with the latest advances in their field through ongoing training and education. Furthermore, a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering is also essential for success in this field. With the proper education and training, highway and bridge inspectors can be confident that they have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to safely inspect highways and bridges.

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Job Description

Highway/Bridge Inspector: Inspects highway and bridge projects to ensure that construction is performed in accordance with plans and specifications, and provides feedback to the contractor on any discrepancies.
Construction Manager: Oversees the entire construction project, from start to finish, to ensure that deadlines are met and that the project is completed within budget.
Quality Control Inspector: Monitors the quality of materials used in the construction process, as well as the compliance of construction personnel with safety regulations.
Compliance Officer: Ensures that the construction project meets all applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
Project Engineer: Oversees the day-to-day operations of the project, such as scheduling and supervising personnel, tracking progress, and coordinating with contractors.
Cost Estimator: Estimates the costs of materials, labor, and equipment needed for the project.
Structural Engineer: Designs and inspects bridges and other types of structures to ensure that they are strong and safe.
Documentation Specialist: Creates, reviews, and maintains all documentation related to the construction project, such as contracts, drawings, and reports.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of roadway and bridge construction techniques and materials.
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and drawings.
Knowledge of safety regulations related to highway and bridge construction.
Ability to inspect and verify contractor compliance with construction documents.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in computing including the use of various software applications and databases.
Knowledge of quality assurance processes.
Ability to use precision measuring instruments and record results accurately.
Ability to work independently and in teams.
Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.
Attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.

Highway and bridge inspectors play a critical role in ensuring safe roads and bridges for the public. Their job is to inspect and evaluate the condition of roads and bridges, and to identify and address any potential issues that could affect the safety of users. To be successful in this role, inspectors need to have a range of technical skills, such as an understanding of engineering principles, knowledge of construction materials, and the ability to analyze data.

They also need to have good problem-solving skills, strong communication, and the ability to work with various stakeholders, such as local governments, engineers, contractors, and members of the public. By having these skills, inspectors are able to detect and report any deficiencies that could potentially lead to hazardous conditions and ultimately reduce risk for users.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working on highway/bridge construction projects?
What qualifications do you have in the area of bridge inspection?
Describe a typical day as a highway/bridge inspector.
What safety protocols do you follow when inspecting a bridge?
How do you ensure the integrity of a bridge is maintained?
How would you go about resolving a dispute between the contractor and inspector regarding bridge work?
How do you stay up to date on building codes and regulations?
What are your techniques for evaluating a bridges structural integrity?
What challenges have you faced in your career as a highway/bridge inspector?
What strategies do you use to stay organized during an inspection?

Common Tools in Industry

Measuring Tape. Used to measure distances and dimensions (eg: to measure the width of a bridge deck)
Level. Used to check for levelness (eg: to check if a bridge deck is level)
Hammers. Used to check for hollows and cracks in concrete and other materials (eg: to check for cracks in a bridge abutment)
Flashlight. Used to inspect dark areas (eg: to inspect an underground culvert)
Thermometer. Used to check temperature changes in materials (eg: to check if a bridge expansion joint is operating properly)
Camera. Used to take pictures of structures for documentation purposes (eg: to document the condition of a bridge deck before and after repairs)
Computer. Used to store data and generate reports (eg: to generate a report on bridge inspections)
GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). Used to detect subsurface features and objects (eg: to detect a void beneath a bridge deck)
Geotechnical Instruments. Used to measure soil characteristics such as bearing capacity (eg: to measure the bearing capacity of soil beneath a bridge footings)
Laser Scanner. Used to measure distances and dimensions quickly and accurately (eg: to measure the clearance of a bridge underpass)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
National Association of County Engineers (NACE)
International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
National Academy of Construction (NAC)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
American Public Works Association (APWA)

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Common Important Terms

Bridge Construction. The building of a bridge, including the preparation and construction of the foundation, the erection of the superstructure, and the installation of the deck.
Bridge Maintenance. The process of inspecting and repairing bridges to ensure they are safe and structurally sound.
Geotechnical Engineering. The application of science and engineering principles to the investigation and design of structures built on or in the ground.
Structural Engineering. The branch of engineering that deals with the analysis and design of structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Highway Engineering. The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and improvement of highways, roads, and related infrastructure.
Soil Mechanics. The study of soil structure, composition, and properties to determine the suitability of soils for various engineering applications.
Hydrology. The science that deals with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water on the earths surface.
Surveying. The science and art of determining the relative positions of points on or near the surface of the earth by means of angles, distances, directions, elevations, and other measurements.
Nondestructive Testing. Testing methods used to evaluate a structure without damaging or destroying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Highway/Bridge Inspector?

A Highway/Bridge Inspector is a professional who inspects bridges, highways, and other related structures to ensure they meet safety standards and regulations.

What qualifications are required for a Highway/Bridge Inspector?

Highway/Bridge Inspectors must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, and two years of experience in construction, highway construction, or related field. In addition, some states may require licensure or certification.

What types of structures does a Highway/Bridge Inspector inspect?

A Highway/Bridge Inspector inspects bridges, highways, overpasses, tunnels, and other related structures.

What types of equipment does a Highway/Bridge Inspector use?

Highway/Bridge Inspectors typically use instruments such as infrared thermometers, moisture meters, and other testing devices to assess the condition of the structures they are inspecting.

What types of safety regulations must be adhered to by a Highway/Bridge Inspector?

Highway/Bridge Inspectors must adhere to all applicable safety regulations, including those set forth by OSHA and local regulatory bodies. They must also wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the job.