Culvert

A transverse structure, pipe, or series of multiple pipes, box(es), or arch(es) constructed to convey water or utilities under a road or railway.

a. Culvert assets under a road with a Structure Length equal to or greater than 20 linear feet meet the FHWA definition of a bridge. These assets are inventoried in FIMS with Usage Code 1768 or 1769

b. Culvert assets under railway with a Structure Length equal to or greater than 10 feet and located at such a depth that it is affected by live loads meet the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) definition of a bridge. These assets are inventoried in FIMS with Usage Code 1468 or 1469.

c. Culvert assets with a Structure Length less than FHWA or FRA bridge length and an Opening Area of more than 20 square feet are inventoried in FIMS with Usage Code 2629. The FIMS Users Guide provides addition guidance for selecting real property asset Usage Codes.

d. Opening Area is the total cross-sectional area, measured in square feet. Consider a series of multiple pipes as a single unit when the clear distance between openings is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening.

e. Culvert Length is measured longitudinally along the structure, pipe, or series of multiple pipes, box, or arch. The Culvert Length is generally perpendicular to the Structure Length.