Report Finds Inadequate Louisiana Bridge Inspections

A new audit says the state Department of Transportation and Development needs to improve its inspections of Louisiana’s bridges.

Auditors say the department falls short of full compliance with federal guidelines about the inspection frequency and procedures that should be in place for making sure bridges are safe.

The review of Louisiana’s bridge inspection program was released Monday by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera’s office. It notes that 14 percent of the state’s bridges are deemed structurally deficient by federal standards.

In a written response, DOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas noted the state wasn’t deemed non-compliant on any bridge inspection benchmarks, but rather fell short of full compliance.

She says the department has federally-approved plans to address all the areas where it is deemed to need improvement.