Fill small potholes on the driving surface with gravel or an asphalt mix. This generally applies only to small bridges or culverts on private property; officials with the local highway department should be contacted to inspect bridge damage on public roads after washouts.
Hire a structural engineer trained in the requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards to review bridge damage and prepare plans for any necessary construction or repairs. The local highway engineer, from his experience dealing with public projects, can give you a list of recent contract bidders offering this specialty.
Secure funding from the local government authority with jurisdiction. Even on private property, it may be possible to secure government assistance if the bridge crosses a regulated drain or waterway or if the washout prevents you from conducting business at, for example, farms or industrial sites. You also may qualify for reimbursement if the bridge is in a declared disaster or emergency area.
Inspect the contractor's work to ensure the project was completed as designed. For large-scale bridge replacement projects, local governments will hire firms with specialists to manage inspection services.
