What regulatory body is primarily involved in establishing inspection protocols for bridges?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is primarily responsible for establishing inspection protocols for bridges due to its role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the nation's transportation system. The FHWA develops and oversees federal regulations and guidelines, including those pertaining to the inspection of bridges, as part of its mission to enhance public safety, improve infrastructure, and support state and local transportation agencies.

The protocols set forth by the FHWA are crucial in providing a standardized approach to bridge inspections across the United States, which helps to maintain consistency in safety assessments and reporting. This oversight is vital for ensuring that bridges are properly monitored and maintained, ultimately protecting public safety and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods.

Other organizations, while important in the realm of transportation infrastructure, focus on different aspects. For example, the National Transportation Safety Board investigates transportation accidents but does not establish inspection protocols. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials provides guidance and best practice standards but operates more on a collaborative level among states. The State Department of Transportation manages and oversees the maintenance of bridges and highways within a specific state but follows the federal protocols set by the FHWA. Thus, the FHWA's role is central and regulatory in crafting the framework for bridge inspections.