[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12535-12536]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  LONG-TERM BRIDGE PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to an important 
initiative of the Federal Highway Administration called the Long-Term 
Bridge Performance program. This program is proudly being led by 
Rutgers Center for Advance Infrastructure and Transportation in New 
Jersey.
  The Long-Term Bridge Performance program is envisioned as a 20-year 
comprehensive examination of our nation's ``workhorse'' highway 
bridges.

[[Page 12536]]

  The team at Rutgers has been inspecting, evaluating and monitoring a 
representative sample of seven bridges nationwide. These pilot studies 
are instrumental in gathering reliable information, such as how to 
maintain safe and satisfactory traffic flow.
  The researchers will analyze and apply the data to facilitate 
improved life-cycle cost and predictive models, better understanding of 
bridge deterioration, and more effective maintenance and repair plans. 
Ultimately, this study will promote the safety, mobility, longevity and 
reliability of our Nation's highways.
  As the highway system grows older, it is important to be sure that 
our Nation's bridges are safe and reliable.
  I am proud that Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and 
Transportation is leading the way in helping the country tackle its 
complicated transportation issue.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Rutgers University.

                          ____________________