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Placer County approves amendment to Forest Hill Bridge testing agreement after ultrasonic inspection finds welds needing repair
Summary
Following ongoing weld testing on the Forest Hill (Auburn) steel bridge, the board authorized an amendment to the Atlas Technical Consultants agreement to pay for additional engineering and testing work needed after inspectors found indications requiring remedial drill-and-repair work.
The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted to amend the county's engineering and testing agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants for ultrasonic weld testing and incidental repairs on the Forest Hill Bridge, the county said, after testing uncovered a higher-than-expected percentage of weld indications requiring further work.
Key point: The Forest Hill Bridge is a high steel truss structure where the Federal Highway Administration requires ultrasonic inspection of certain high-strength steel welds. County public works staff said testing has progressed to roughly 75% complete and identified indications that must be addressed to arrest crack growth and preserve the structure for continued safe use.
What the board approved: Public Works asked the board to authorize amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants to increase the agreement to a revised total not to exceed $8,465,381 and to allow contract amendments up to a specified contingency amount. The board approved the resolution authorizing the amendment.
Technical summary: Inspectors used snooper/under-bridge lifts, temporary scaffolding and interior access to perforated members to remove paint and perform ultrasonic testing. Where testers found reportable indications, engineers map the extent and may drill stop-holes and then perform repairs; all work requires engineering analysis to verify the holes and repairs will preserve structural capacity. The county said initial estimates assumed a smaller percentage of deficient indications; testing to date showed a higher share, which prompted the request to increase the contracted work budget.
Board vote: The motion to execute the amendment was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.
Ending: Public Works said the amendment and ongoing work are intended to enable on-the-ground repairs and preserve the structure, and that the bulk of the project cost is being managed through the county engineering procurement process. Staff noted federal and state partners are observing and coordinating on inspection and funding considerations.
