Could Result In Substantial Savings For State Taxpayers

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting a study that could lead to the use of drones for bridge inspections.

Television station KARE reports that the agency is looking at using the aircraft as a way to save money for the state's taxpayers, and easing the burden on drivers in the state.

MnDOT currently uses trucks for bridge inspections, which cost in the neighborhood of $675,000 and can block traffic while an inspection is being conducted. By contrast, the drones under evaluation cost about $40,000, and would not require traffic to be diverted during inspections.

MnDOT engineer Scott Theisen said that while the aircraft could save time and money, they would never replace an actual bridge inspector, but engineers say that the aircraft can give them an additional tool to look at bridges up close.

Thermal and normal cameras on the aircraft can allow real-time inspections, and show temperature changes in concrete, according to the report.

MnDOT will conduct the final phase of testing this spring, and could be using the drones regularly by next year.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.dot.state.mn.us