Providing accurate, safe, and cost-effective site inspections with minimal impact to the transportation network

Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge - MDTA Inspection Program

As the lead joint venture firm, we have been providing contract administration and comprehensive facility inspection services for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) under a four-year structures inspection contract.

As part of this, our team has been performing annual inspections for the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge—the oldest of the nine toll facilities operated and maintained by the MDTA. This 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometre), four-lane bridge opened in August 1939 and spans the Susquehanna River on US 40 between Havre de Grace and Perryville in northeast Maryland. Using drones, we are inspecting transportation assets safely and accurately with minimal impacts to the transportation network.

We have an unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) program with over 70 certified sUAS pilots who are also National Bridge Inspection Standards certified inspectors. During this bridge inspection, four of our Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians climbed and performed hands-on inspections concurrently while our sUAS pilot used a drone to take photos and videos of the structure.

The inspection was performed efficiently, with minimized impact to the traveling public by only closing one lane of traffic. The was also the first bridge inspection of an MDTA facility that was performed while climbing over live traffic.