Roadway inspections

A construction roadway inspection typically includes an evaluation of the following components:

  1. Subgrade preparation: This involves evaluating the condition and preparation of the ground where the roadway will be built, including proper compaction and drainage.

  2. Base and sub-base materials: The inspector checks the quality and thickness of the materials used for the base and sub-base of the roadway.

  3. Pavement: The inspector evaluates the thickness, composition, and quality of the pavement materials, including the type and placement of the asphalt or concrete.

  4. Drainage: The inspector checks for proper drainage systems to ensure water does not collect on the road surface and cause damage.

  5. Curbs and gutters: The inspector evaluates the quality and placement of the curbs and gutters, including any slope and drainage considerations.

  6. Sidewalks and bike lanes: The inspector evaluates the width, slope, and surface of sidewalks and bike lanes.

  7. Signage and striping: The inspector checks for proper placement and legibility of signs, as well as the condition and placement of road markings, including crosswalks and center lines.

  8. Guardrails and barriers: The inspector checks the quality and placement of guardrails and barriers, including their ability to protect the roadway from damage.

  9. Utilities: The inspector evaluates the proper placement and installation of any utility lines, such as water, gas, and sewer, that may impact the roadway.

These components are evaluated during various stages of construction to ensure that the roadway is built to code and will provide a safe and efficient transportation option.

How to perform a roadway inspection

To inspect roadways, you can follow these steps:

  1. Plan the inspection: Decide what areas of the roadway need to be inspected and how often. Create a checklist to ensure that all necessary elements are evaluated.

  2. Conduct a visual inspection: Walk or drive along the roadway and look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, potholes, or other types of wear and tear.

  3. Take photos or videos: Document any issues you find during the inspection.

  4. Measure and document findings: Use a measuring device such as a ruler or tape measure to determine the size and depth of any problems. Record your findings in a notebook or on a form.

  5. Evaluate safety hazards: Look for any safety hazards such as poorly marked crosswalks or intersections, damaged or missing signs, or other issues that could pose a threat to drivers and pedestrians.

  6. Report findings: Compile all of your findings into a report and send it to the appropriate authorities, such as the local government or transportation department, for review and repair.

It’s important to prioritize safety during inspections, so be sure to wear protective gear and follow all safety guidelines.

Subgrade preparation

Subgrade preparation is a critical component of roadway construction and a crucial part of any roadway inspection. It involves evaluating the condition and preparation of the ground where the roadway will be built. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting the subgrade preparation:

  1. Soil type and composition: The inspector checks that the soil type is suitable for roadway construction and meets the required specifications.

  2. Compaction: The inspector evaluates the compaction of the soil, which is important to ensure stability and prevent settling over time.

  3. Drainage: The inspector checks that proper drainage systems are in place to prevent water from collecting on the road surface and causing damage.

  4. Grading: The inspector evaluates the slope and elevation of the subgrade, ensuring that it is level and properly sloped for proper drainage.

  5. Surface preparation: The inspector checks that the surface of the subgrade is free of debris and properly prepared for the placement of the base and sub-base materials.

  6. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the subgrade is properly prepared for construction.

Proper subgrade preparation is essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Base and sub-base materials

The base and sub-base materials play a crucial role in the stability and durability of a roadway. An inspection of these materials includes evaluating their quality and thickness to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting the base and sub-base materials:

  1. Material type: The inspector checks that the materials used for the base and sub-base are suitable for the specific application and meet the required specifications.

  2. Thickness: The inspector evaluates the thickness of the base and sub-base materials to ensure that they meet the required specifications and provide adequate support for the roadway.

  3. Placement: The inspector checks the placement of the base and sub-base materials, ensuring that they are properly spread and compacted to provide a stable base for the roadway.

  4. Compaction: The inspector evaluates the compaction of the base and sub-base materials, ensuring that they are properly compacted to prevent settling and maintain stability.

  5. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the base and sub-base materials are properly prepared for construction.

Proper placement and compaction of the base and sub-base materials are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Pavement

The pavement is the top layer of a roadway and is critical for providing a smooth and safe driving surface. An inspection of the pavement includes evaluating its thickness, composition, and quality to ensure that it meets the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting the pavement:

  1. Material type: The inspector checks that the pavement material used, such as asphalt or concrete, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  2. Thickness: The inspector evaluates the thickness of the pavement to ensure that it meets the required specifications and provides adequate support for the roadway.

  3. Composition: The inspector checks the composition of the pavement material, including the type and placement of the asphalt or concrete.

  4. Surface finish: The inspector evaluates the smoothness and evenness of the pavement surface, ensuring that it provides a safe and comfortable driving surface.

  5. Joints and cracks: The inspector checks for proper placement and spacing of joints in the pavement, as well as for any cracks or signs of damage.

  6. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the pavement is properly prepared for construction.

Proper construction and maintenance of the pavement are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Drainage

Drainage is a critical component of roadway construction and maintenance, as it helps to prevent water from collecting on the road surface and causing damage. An inspection of the drainage system includes evaluating its design, construction, and performance to ensure that it meets the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting the drainage system:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the drainage system design is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Inlets and outlets: The inspector evaluates the placement and function of inlets and outlets in the drainage system, ensuring that they are properly spaced and functioning correctly.

  3. Culverts and ditches: The inspector checks the placement, size, and condition of culverts and ditches in the drainage system, ensuring that they are adequate for the specific roadway.

  4. Water flow: The inspector evaluates the flow of water through the drainage system, ensuring that it is moving away from the roadway and not collecting on the road surface.

  5. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the drainage system is properly prepared for construction.

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of the drainage system are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Curbs and gutters

Curbs and gutters play an important role in the overall design and function of a roadway. An inspection of curbs and gutters includes evaluating their design, construction, and performance to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting curbs and gutters:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the design of the curbs and gutters is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Placement: The inspector evaluates the placement of the curbs and gutters, ensuring that they are properly spaced and positioned to provide adequate drainage and support.

  3. Material: The inspector checks that the material used for the curbs and gutters, such as concrete or asphalt, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  4. Condition: The inspector evaluates the condition of the curbs and gutters, including any signs of cracking, settling, or other damage.

  5. Joints: The inspector checks for proper placement and spacing of joints in the curbs and gutters, ensuring that they are functioning correctly.

  6. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the curbs and gutters are properly prepared for construction.

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of curbs and gutters are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Sidewalks and bike lanes

Sidewalks and bike lanes play an important role in providing a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists. An inspection of sidewalks and bike lanes includes evaluating their design, construction, and performance to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting sidewalks and bike lanes:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the design of the sidewalks and bike lanes is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Material: The inspector checks that the material used for the sidewalks and bike lanes, such as concrete or asphalt, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  3. Condition: The inspector evaluates the condition of the sidewalks and bike lanes, including any signs of cracking, settling, or other damage.

  4. Slope: The inspector checks the slope of the sidewalks and bike lanes, ensuring that they are level and provide a safe and accessible surface.

  5. Proper excavation: The inspector evaluates the depth and accuracy of excavation, ensuring that the sidewalks and bike lanes are properly prepared for construction.

  6. Handicap accessibility: The inspector checks the sidewalks and bike lanes for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for handicap accessibility, such as the width and slope of the surface.

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of sidewalks and bike lanes are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Signage and striping

Signage and striping play an important role in providing clear and concise information to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as enhancing road safety. An inspection of signage and striping includes evaluating their design, construction, and performance to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting signage and striping:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the design of the signage and striping is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Placement: The inspector evaluates the placement of the signage and striping, ensuring that they are properly spaced and positioned to provide clear and concise information.

  3. Material: The inspector checks that the material used for the signage and striping, such as paint or reflective tape, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  4. Condition: The inspector evaluates the condition of the signage and striping, including any signs of fading, peeling, or other damage.

  5. Visibility: The inspector checks the visibility of the signage and striping, ensuring that they are easily visible to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

  6. Compliance with regulations: The inspector checks that the signage and striping comply with local, state, and federal regulations, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of signage and striping are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Guardrails and barriers

Guardrails and barriers play an important role in providing safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians along roadways. An inspection of guardrails and barriers includes evaluating their design, construction, and performance to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting guardrails and barriers:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the design of the guardrails and barriers is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Material: The inspector checks that the material used for the guardrails and barriers, such as steel, concrete, or plastic, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  3. Condition: The inspector evaluates the condition of the guardrails and barriers, including any signs of corrosion, damage, or other degradation.

  4. Placement: The inspector evaluates the placement of the guardrails and barriers, ensuring that they are properly spaced and positioned to provide adequate protection.

  5. Anchorages: The inspector checks that the anchorages for the guardrails and barriers are secure and properly installed.

  6. Performance in crash tests: The inspector evaluates the results of crash tests, ensuring that the guardrails and barriers perform as expected in real-world scenarios.

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of guardrails and barriers are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.

Utilities

Utilities, such as water, sewage, and gas lines, play a crucial role in supporting the infrastructure of a roadway. An inspection of utilities includes evaluating their design, construction, and performance to ensure that they meet the required specifications. The following are the key aspects to consider when inspecting utilities:

  1. Design: The inspector checks that the design of the utilities is suitable for the specific roadway and meets the required specifications.

  2. Material: The inspector checks that the material used for the utilities, such as PVC or steel, is suitable for the specific application and meets the required specifications.

  3. Placement: The inspector evaluates the placement of the utilities, ensuring that they are properly located and spaced to avoid conflict with other infrastructure.

  4. Condition: The inspector evaluates the condition of the utilities, including any signs of damage, leakage, or other degradation.

  5. Connection: The inspector checks that the utilities are properly connected to the existing infrastructure and that there are no leaks or other issues.

  6. Permits: The inspector checks that the necessary permits have been obtained for the construction and installation of the utilities.

Proper design, construction, and maintenance of utilities are essential for the long-term durability and performance of the roadway. Any issues found during the inspection should be reported to the contractor for correction before construction continues.