McLaren Awarded Newest ConnDOT Bridge Inspection Contract

The Connecticut Department of Transportation selected McLaren last week to perform underwater inspections of its highway bridges statewide, a three-year contract expected to begin in January.

McLaren, who has held five previous bridge inspection cycles with ConnDOT, will under this contract provide its expert dive inspection services at roughly 450 bridges carrying state and local roadways. Known for pioneering the Professional Engineer-Diver industry, the firm will perform the inspections and prepare comprehensive reports, which will include underwater photography/videography and data assessment.

"This is what we do," said Bill McCarthy, McLaren's Director of Business Development. "We possess an ardent desire and passion to perform this work, coupled with our almost 32 years of experience and associated expertise. We are particularly pleased with the opportunity to provide these services to ConnDOT, a client we deeply respect and appreciate."

McLaren's past contracts with ConnDOT ran from 1993-94, 1995-96, 2001-02, 2005-06, and 2007-08. Each of these combined above and underwater work – unlike this upcoming contract, which emphasizes underwater inspection.

Having performed above and underwater bridge and facility assessments on thousands of bridges and piers, McLaren's engineer-divers are among the most experienced in the industry. In fact, the firm's inspection personnel has worked multiple bridge inspection projects for the NYSDOT, NYCDOT, NHDOT, NYSTA, and others – in addition to ConnDOT.

All of McLaren's inspectors possess ADC Certifications, OSHA Training, NBIS Certifications, CPR and First Aid Certifications, and even Department of Homeland Security clearances. Several of the firm's engineers also have ATC-20-1 training for post earthquake safety evaluations of structures; ATC-45 safety evaluations of buildings after windstorms and floods; and SPRAT certifications for rigging and abseiling inspections. This specialized training enables McLaren to respond quickly and efficiently in case of emergencies.