En 
Updated US Tunnel Inspection Guidelines
The National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) has a new guidance document, Compliance Review Manual, that gives guidance and direction to the FHWA Division Bridge Engineers in performing National Tunnel Inspection Program (NTIP) compliance reviews of State tunnel safety inspection programs.
The updates is being provided to States and other tunnel owners for informational purposes only. The document is guidance only and does not create any requirements other than those stipulated in statute or regulations.
Background
In 2010, FHWA developed a new systematic, data-driven, risk-based oversight process for monitoring State compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Based on the success of that process, FHWA has now developed a similar process for the recently implemented National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS).
This process utilizes 15 metrics, or measures, to define:- the levels of compliance,
- items from the NTIS to be measured, and
- how those measurements affect the levels of compliance.
In 2017, the FHWA initiated a pilot program using the new process in eight additional States. The FHWA made further adjustments to the process and the metrics following these pilots, in preparation for nationwide implementation in June 2019.
Annual Review Schedule and 5-Year Review Cycle
According to the 23 U.S. Code § 144. National bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection standards the FHWA will annually review State compliance with the NTIS. A schedule is proposed for the different activities, and may need to be modified on a case-by-case basis when unique and unexpected extenuating circumstances arise.As part of the 5-year review cycle the inspection program will examine the 5-year review history to identify trends in each metric area, to identify any gaps in the program or review process, and to develop a review strategy for the next 5 years.
The NTIS require tunnel owners to establish a program for the inspection of highway tunnels, to maintain a tunnel inventory, to report the inspection findings to FHWA, and to correct any critical findings found during these inspections.
Dealing with noncompliance deficiency
The FHWA Division Office will issue a signed report to the State detailing the issues of noncompliance for a metric determined to be noncompliant by December 31 of the review period. The report will list the regulatory code and title for each noncompliance deficiency, identify the deficiency, and specify that the deficiency has to be corrected, or a Plan of Corrective Action (PCA) submitted within 45 calendar days of notification. The State will have 45 days to either correct the issue of noncompliance or submit a PCA to FHWA as required.
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Photo: Arild P. Sovik, Alaskan Way Replacement Tunnel in Seattle, June 2018
Arild P. Sovik
CEO, editor, senior adviser and tunnel expert. News coverage based on many years of experience from key positions in the industry. Former National Tunnel Manager/Administrativ Authority in Norway, senior principal development manager in a major tunnel contractor company and long experience from activities in national and international professional networks.
