In addition to trucks that haul cargo, there exists a wide variety of trucks that primarily perform services. One of the less common service trucks is the Snooper Truck.
Snooper trucks are used for bridge inspections. Snooper is a registered trademark of The Paxton Mitchell Comapny, but the name is often used generically. These trucks work like a backwards bucket truck with the bucket moving down and back towards the truck rather than up and away.
The bridge inspectors are watching for tiny cracks that could be an indication of future problems, erosion and general condition of the bridge.
Bridges need to be inspected to ensure they are safe for the loads they carry. Sometimes a bridge will be posted with a lower weight limit as the result of the inspection. These bridges are called stucturally deficient.
Bridges that are inadequate for the amount and type of traffic are called functionally obsolete. The bridge itself is fine, but replacement may be necessary to handle the current or future traffic demands.
I'd love to see your bridge inspection pictures or hear your related stories. Please comment below.
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| Photo by Oregon Department of Transportation. |
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| Photo by Oregon Department of Transportation. |
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| Drawing by Paxton-Mitchell Co. |
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