4 minutes

July 30, 2025

Louisiana DOTD Leads the Way in Bridge Inspection Modernization with inspectX

In September 2023, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) made a significant move to modernize its bridge inspection and asset management program by transitioning to inspectX™. The shift was driven by a clear set of priorities: improve inspection efficiency, increase data reliability, and prepare early for upcoming federal requirements, particularly the Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI).

What Drove the Transition

LaDOTD’s decision to replace its legacy system was informed by persistent challenges and a forward-looking mindset. Key transition drivers included:

  • A need for more responsive and timely technical support
  • Unreliable mobile data collection tools that often led to data loss in the field
  • Barriers that prevented full implementation of a tablet-based inspection workflow
  • A desire to begin collecting SNBI-format data proactively, well ahead of the 2028 FHWA deadline

inspectX provided the integrated, inspection-focused solution they were looking for—offering modern tools, flexible support for both NBI and SNBI formats, and seamless functionality across office and field environments.

Improvements After Implementation

Since adopting inspectX, LaDOTD has made major strides in transforming how inspections are carried out and how data is managed:

  • All inspectors now use Android tablets to conduct full data collection in the field—enabling a complete tablet-based workflow
  • Data capture is more reliable, reducing field-level data loss and duplication
  • inspectX™’s offline mobile functionality supports offline use, enabling inspections in remote areas without network coverage
  • The Alerts add-on module was deployed to notify management in real-time of key events, including:
    • Condition rating drops requiring load rating updates
    • Critical findings that need urgent follow-up
    • Scour-related concerns
    • Structures needing posting or closure

This real-time visibility has strengthened LaDOTD’s ability to respond quickly and maintain oversight across all districts.

Approach to SNBI Transition

inspectX’s dual support for NBI and SNBI allowed LaDOTD to ease into the new federal standard on their own terms.

In 2024, LaDOTD leveraged Excel-based tools to translate their existing NBI data into SNBI format. This data was then bulk uploaded into inspectX™, eliminating the need for inspectors to re-enter legacy information. It also ensured continuity and accuracy across historical records.

To further support inspectors in the field:

  • LaDOTD rewrote its bridge inspection manual to align with the SNBI coding guide
  • Instead of printing new manuals, they used inspectX™’s tooltip feature to embed guidance directly into the platform
  • Now, inspectors can simply click on a field within inspectX and access step-by-step instructions, greatly reducing the learning curve and improving consistency

On the quality control side, LADOTD also rolled out the Error Checker module, which flags issues in real time during data entry. This helps maintain high data quality throughout the year and eases preparation for the annual reporting cycle every March.

Meeting SNBI Requirements Ahead of Schedule

As of January 2025, LaDOTD has fully transitioned to SNBI-compliant data collection, placing them among the first DOTs in the country to complete the transition and well ahead of the 2028 federal deadline.

Their proactive approach has resulted in a modern, digitally enabled, and standards-aligned bridge inspection program that improves efficiency and accountability across the board.

Snapshot of LaDOTD’s Bridge Network

  • ~12,600 bridges under management
  • 2 complex tunnels
  • 9 inspection districts
  • 280 users, including in-house staff and consultants
  • Home to 3 of the longest bridges in the U.S.

Bridge Inventory and Age Distribution

📍 Bridge Inventory Map

📊 Bridge Year-Built Distribution

With inspectX™, LaDOTD isn’t just complying with regulations; they’re building a stronger, smarter, and more responsive inspection program that’s equipped for what’s next.

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