BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMS

In response to the need for more effective and efficient bridge management, Congress, through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, required the implementation of bridge management systems by state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations. Two national-level bridge management software programs have been developed: Pontis and BRIDGIT. The National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 officially repealed the legislative mandate for bridge management system implementation by state highway agencies. Nevertheless, state DOTs continue to pursue use of these systems. Today Pontis has been licensed by 40 state DOTs. Other states either have developed and are implementing their own bridge management software or are evaluating existing software for implementation. BRIDGIT has been well received within smaller bridge-owning agencies. Pontis is now an AASHTOWare-supported product. BRIDGIT is currently available through NCHRP and is expected to be supported by AASHTO in the near future.