scope:

This part of the handbook applies to all Network Rail owned or managed Bridges, Shared Bridges, Outside Party Bridges and other Structures assigned to Structure Category A in accordance with NR/L1/CIV/032: Managing existing Structures¹. Such Bridges may be assigned as Structure Category A1.

This part of the handbook does not apply to:

1. Longitudinal Timbers², but it does apply to the fixings which attach such Timbers to their supporting structural elements.

2. continuously supported track slabs except where an integral part of a Bridge.

Purpose

The purpose of this part of the handbook is to define the particular requirements and recommendations for examination of Bridges.

¹ This provides information on managing Structures for all Structure Categories.

² Examination of these is covered in NR/SP/TRK/038: Longitudinal Timbers - design, installation and maintenance.