2427.01 GENERAL.
Bridge Cleaning consists of the removal of all accumulated foreign material from the entire bridge including bridge deck, sidewalk, curbs, pier tops, trusses, interior of truss members, lower flanges of beams or girders, cleaning of expansion joints, wind links and drains to prevent deterioration of the structure. Areas which have been cleaned shall be free of all accumulations of sand, gravel, dirt, bird nests and excreta, and other foreign materials.

2427.02 EQUIPMENT.
Cleaning equipment shall consist of hand tools, power brooms, air compressors, water tanks, and water pumps with associated delivery hardware necessary to properly flush, clean, and remove all foreign material from the bridge structure. Other types of cleaning equipment may be used subject to the approval of the Engineer. Air and/or water pressure shall be sufficient to remove the accumulated material without damaging paint coverage of the structural steel. Each self propelled unit utilized in the cleaning operation shall be equipped with an amber revolving light visible from all directions and which flashes at least 60 times per minute but not more than 120 times per minute.

Other equipment such as high-reach trucks, and under bridge access trucks or movable scaffolds may be necessary to gain access to areas designated for cleaning. It will be the Contractor's responsibility to determine and utilize whatever method and equipment best suited for the operation to successfully clean the structure.

2427.03 CLEANING.
All accumulated foreign material shall be removed from bridge sidewalks, bridge decks, curb tops, beam flanges, gusset plates, abutment bridge seats, pier tops, truss joints, deck drain systems, and other locations specified and as directed by the Engineer prior to cleaning with water under pressure. The accumulated foreign material shall be removed by hand brooms, hand shovels, scrapers, vacuum cleaners or other methods acceptable to the Engineer. This removed material shall be collected and disposed of at an approved waste area in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. At no time shall this removed material be allowed to fall or be disposed of in the water or on the land below the bridge.

The water under pressure shall be sufficient to remove salt contaminants, dirt, and other detrimental foreign matter without damaging or removing paint from any structural steel. The minimum flow rate of water to clean the bridge shall be 5 gallons (20 L) per minute. The maximum water pressure shall be 1,000 psi (6900 kPa), but not so high that any paint is removed. The cleaning operation shall be stopped if foreign material has not been removed or if removal of or damage to existing paint coverage occurs. In this situation the water under pressure shall be adjusted to remove foreign material without damaging or removing existing paint coverage.

All deck drains and scuppers at drains shall be flushed with water under pressure after the accumulated foreign material in them has been properly removed. Drain systems may have to be taken apart to remove large blockages of accumulated foreign material. Should this be necessary, they shall be returned to their original configuration immediately after cleaning. Drain systems shall drain properly after cleaning.

The Contractor shall flush out with water under pressure the interior of all truss members. Flushing of the interiors of the truss members shall continue until such time each truss member is draining out clear water.

The exterior of all truss members, miscellaneous structural steel connecting truss members, and floor beam ends projecting outwardly from the row of exterior stringers shall be thoroughly washed down with water under pressure.

The Contractor shall obtain the source of water used. The Contractor shall use fresh water which is free of sediments and salt contaminants. The Contractor shall be responsible for all expense involved in securing the proper water.

All roadway appurtenances damaged by the Contractor during the cleaning operations shall be repaired or replaced at the direction of the Engineer, at the Contractor's expense.

The Contractor shall exercise due caution and take precautions during cleaning operations to not soil, or damage private or public property.

2427.04 TRAFFIC CONTROL.
Traffic Control shall be in accordance with the traffic control plan.

Parking of private vehicles will not be allowed on the structure at any time.

The Contractor shall furnish, erect, maintain, and remove all signs and traffic control devices made necessary for the work.

2427.05 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT.
Bridge cleaning will not be measured separately for payment but will be considered as a lump sum.

2427.06 BASIS OF PAYMENT.
For Bridge Cleaning, the Contractor will be paid the lump sum contract price. This payment shall be considered full compensation for furnishing all material, labor, and equipment and for the performance of all work necessary for the flushing, washing, and cleaning and removal all foreign material and debris, and disposal in accordance with the contract documents.