Use of browsers other than Internet Explorer is recommended due to Microsoft phasing out this browser and many recent unexpected results when using SIIMS with this browser. Individuals using Internet Explorer may encounter unexpected errors or results when using SIIMS. Possible issues may include problems saving items, missing features and incomplete filtered results. If an unexpected error occurs, try using a different browser. If the problem continues, please contact Iowa DOT SIIMS personnel.
Bridge inspection reports must be finalized or the data will not be submitted to FHWA. All inspections performed before January 1 must have the "Final Report" approved before close of business on March 1. These bridges will be submitted to FHWA with old inspection data and appear as overdue for inspection.
Information that changes between inspections (bridge closure, etc.) may be updated in SIIMS by searching for the bridge to display in the Asset Details page. Once the bridge is displayed in the Quick View screen, select the Create Report near the top right corner of the window. Choose the Data Update report type to correct or modify data not related to an inspection. This data will appear in the next inspection report and in the NBI submittal.
The New Bridge ID field on the SIA form should be filled in to report a change required for the Bridge ID. When filled in and the report containing the new value is moved to the next workflow stage an e-mail is triggered. The information is sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation's SIIMS administrators. The change is entered through the Manage Inventory Administration feature to modify the Bridge ID for all future reports.
The New Bridge ID field can be blank and should not be completed unless there is an actual change to the Bridge ID value.
Do not use an existing FHWA number for a new structure; new structures must have new FHWA numbers. New structures will continue to be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) Research and Analytics Bureau for inclusion in the inventory. Use the Bridge status change – Form 107 to add, to remove or replace any NBI structure. However, once a new bridge is added to SIIMS, it is the owners' responsibility to enter most of the NBI data. This information must be entered within 90 days of receiving an FHWA number. This is important if the bridge is not inspected prior to the annual FHWA NBI submittal. Incomplete NBI data must be corrected before the submittal is accepted by FHWA.
If a structure is removed, notify the Iowa DOT's Research and Analytics Bureau using the Bridge status change – Form 107; the structure will be archived in SIIMS and no longer available for editing.
A few inspection reports have been finalized without updating the NBI 90 date; these will generate a past due alert. To correct, undo the approval on the report, correct the date and reapprove the report.
Criteria found in the 2022 NBIS will be used, beginning June 2024, to determine when a bridge is eligible for an extended inspection up to 48 months.
If another type of inspection (Fracture Critical, Underwater, Special, etc.) was performed during the Routine or In-Depth NBI inspection, the check box adjacent to the inspection type must be checked on the Inspection Information form, the date entered, and the frequency entered. Failure to check the box will result in a past due alert.
After the FHWA reviews the annual submittal, they return NBI data with the Good, Fair, or Poor condition designations. SIIMS will calculate the condition designation with the "Re-calculate NBI Ratings" link is selected on the NBI Calc form. These values will be displayed on the SI&A form.
Some records are incomplete or inaccurate with respect to ownership. Please notify the Iowa DOT's Bridges and Structures Bureau if SIIMS is displaying a bridge not in your jurisdiction or there is a bridge missing.
The most recent approved report can be unapproved to correct inaccurate data. But, the report must be reapproved ("Approve Final Report") before the updated data can be submitted to FHWA.
The Iowa DOT's Research & Analytics Bureau will be responsible for modifying NBI Item 10 – Inventory Route, Minimum Vertical Clearance and NBI Item 54A & B – Minimum Vertical Underclearance. Call the Office of Research & Analytics at 515 233-7741, if these values need to be changed.
Owners must notify the Iowa DOT's Bridges and Structures Bureau by submitting a bridge owner form, regarding the identity of the program manager for each structure in a jurisdiction. This assignment will remain in effect until the Bridges and Structures Bureau is notified of a change through the Bridge Owner form.
All bridge inspectors and program managers must meet the FHWA requirements before access to SIIMS will be permitted. Qualifications are sent to Eric Souhrada for approval by submitting a program managers bridge inspector form, a team leader bridge inspector form or the change inspector role form.
To better manage the number of active SIIMS users, we will be auditing user access. The inspection consultants change in personnel has led to many unused accounts. Those users who have not logged into SIIMS for five years or more will be deleted.
Test bridges can be made available as a learning tool to all local public agency (LPA) users. A user will be able to complete any of their authorized operations without affecting any official records. Caution, some bridges will not have the forms utilized for city or county inspections; these bridges are used for training on State owned bridge inspections only.
Please contact the Bridges & Structures Bureau if you would like access for training.
Inspectors have the ability to generate formal PDF reports in SIIMS. These reports may include photos, sketches, and inspection data along with a variety of additional information. The information contained in these reports will be at the discretion of the bridge owner.