The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Bridge Section has steadily integrated drone technology into its bridge inspection program to address the challenges of working in remote locations, rugged terrain, and harsh conditions. What began as a tool for supplemental documentation has grown into a critical asset for both routine and special inspections. This presentation highlights the virtual assessment of the Koyukuk River Bridge (#1261), where DOT&PF used drones and Starlink-enabled livestreaming to perform a real-time evaluation of structural damage. DOT&PF’s drone program is built around practical application—simple, field-proven workflows that keep inspections efficient and adaptable without over-complication. The session will also provide an overview of current research efforts aimed at developing standardized protocols to support drone-assisted inspections statewide.
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