ADOT decided to use aerial drones for highway survey and bridge inspection work. Credit: courtesy of Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in the US has decided to deploy drones to assist its engineering staff in conducting inspection of inaccessible regions of bridges and survey works along state highways.

ADOT has procured eight new aerial drones through a federal innovative technology grant from the Federal Highway Administration-sponsored Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation programme.

The usage of these drones is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of highway and bridge works, as well as reduce project delivery time.

ADOT Director John Halikowski said: “We are committed to building a culture of innovation at ADOT to improve the safety and reliability of a statewide transportation system that millions of people depend on every day.”

Selected ADOT employees will undergo training, following which these drones will be introduced into service later this year.

“Drones will play a role in surveying areas near state highways where rock fall or ground movement are potential hazards.”

ADOT Bridge Group geotechnical services manager J.J. Liu said: “Drones will play a role in surveying areas near state highways where rock fall or ground movement are potential hazards.

“We’re focused on the safety of the travelling public in monitoring such locations. A drone can collect photos and other information across a larger survey area while helping to keep engineers or geologists out of harm’s way.”

Since last year, ADOT has been using one drone for multiple purposes. The drone was used to survey a section of State Route 88 north-east of Apache Junction, which was damaged by a storm last year.

The Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation previously approved utilising $18,100 of federal funds and $4,525 in state matching funds to procure the new ADOT drones.