Drones could help with bridge inspections

Drone technology could soon be a common tool used to inspect bridges around Charlotte for safety.

The Federal Highway Administration asked private contractors for help analyzing the high-tech data that drones can collect.

The idea is to add special sensors and cameras to drones that are capable of more easily reaching areas of bridges that are difficult to inspect.

North Carolina's Department of Transportation is already experimenting with the concept.

Advocates said drones could save money on inspections while also reducing traffic delays and speeding up maintenance operations.

One out of every 10 bridge in North and South Carolina has been classified as "structurally deficient," according to recent studies. That means that a crucial bridge element such as the deck or superstructure is considered to be in “poor” or worse condition.

The most traveled problem bridges in the Charlotte area include major highway crossings like Interstates 85, 77 and 277.

The I-277 bridge over Brevard Street has been identified as one of the most "structurally deficient" around Charlotte and has 85,000 vehicles cross it every day.

Overall, 200 bridges in North Carolina have been identified for needed repairs.

South Carolina has identified more than 1,600 bridges that need work.

Cox Media Group