Develop Platform-Agnostic Processes to Utilize Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Supporting Bridge and Structure Inspections to Reduce Impacts from Changes in Vendor Availability.
New York State Thruway Authority Piloted UAS-Assisted Structure Inspection Workflows for Critical Transportation Infrastructure in Buffalo and Albany, New York.
Albany, New York, United States
Buffalo
New York State Thruway Authority – SMART Grant Stage 1 Final Implementation Report
Summary Information
Regular transportation infrastructure inspections are essential for safety and reliability, but traditional methods can be resource-intensive, costly, and lack efficient, high-quality data collection methods. Funded by U.S. DOT’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program, the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) tested prototype inspection approaches using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced digital workflows and compared with conventional infrastructure inspection practices. The project aimed to validate UAS inspection methods for bridges and other critical assets, integrate digital data collection with existing reporting systems, and support future predictive maintenance through digital modeling and advanced analytics. During the Stage 1 grant, NYSTA deployed UAS equipped with cameras and sensors to collect high-resolution imagery and data on structural condition. The project also developed digital forms, reporting workflows, training procedures, and safety policies to support repeatable and scalable operations. Field testing was conducted in 2024 on a bridge and overhead sign structures on a Thruway segment near downtown Buffalo and at several truss bridges near Albany, New York.
- Use UAS to support bridge and structure inspection tasks where this technology can improve efficiency. UAS can simplify tasks such as capturing elevation photographs and gathering data that supports improved situational awareness, but cannot cover all situations, such as locations above rail or road traffic.
- Address UAS usage requirements early. Early planning for authorizations, waivers, and airspace approvals helped streamline field operations and avoid deployment delays.
- Use platform-agnostic planning to reduce vendor and technology risk. When the original UAS vendor platform was discontinued during Stage 1, the project was able to transition to an alternative platform with minimal workflow disruption, showing the importance of flexible system architecture and adaptable technology selection.
- Develop a comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy before scaling the program. NYSTA identified the lack of a cohesive long-term O&M plan as the primary gap at the end of Stage 1.
