MN HF2687

Amends Minnesota Statutes sections 165.01 and 165.03 to update bridge inspection standards and incorporates the "Manual for Bridge Evaluation" published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials by reference.

Changes inspection intervals from "two years for bridges" and "four years for culverts" to "24 months" and "48 months" respectively, with commissioner authority to establish longer intervals based on bridge age, condition, and deterioration rate.

Establishes new inspection requirements for structures meeting National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) definition, including underwater structural element inspections at intervals not exceeding 60 months and fracture critical member inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months.

Adds new subdivision 6a requiring load rating of all inspected structures to determine safe load carrying capacity, with rerating when significant condition changes occur or when legal load limits increase, and mandatory posting of bridges where maximum legal load exceeds operating capacity.

Repeals Minnesota Rules parts 8810.9000 through 8810.9700 and requires the commissioner to submit biennial reports to legislature on bridge inspection quality assurance procedures, findings, and Federal Highway Administration compliance actions.