Bridge carrying railroad traffic; qualifications of inspector; affidavit; performance and recording of inspections; report; reinspection and order by department.

(1) Any railroad owning a bridge carrying railroad traffic shall have the bridge inspected by a person with at least the minimum qualifications provided by this section. Inspections shall be performed not less than every other year. Inspections shall be performed, signed, and dated by a person competent and familiar in railroad bridge inspection. As a minimum, the inspector shall be a registered professional engineer or satisfy 1 or more of the following: (a) Have at least 2 years of practical experience in railroad bridge inspection. (b) Have at least 5 years of practical bridge maintenance and repair experience. (c) Pass a study course in railroad bridge inspection. (2) Beginning 2 years after the effective date of this act and each year thereafter, the railroad shall provide an affidavit to the department stating that all bridges located on the railroad within the state have been inspected within the last 2 years in accordance with the requirements of this act. (3) As a minimum, inspections shall be performed and recorded in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the current "manual of railway engineering" as published by the American railway engineering association. (4) The railroad shall keep the most current inspection report for each bridge on file and, upon request, shall provide a copy to the department. (5) The department may reinspect any bridge using its own inspectors or inspectors hired by it. The department may order any of the following: closure of the bridge, speed and load restrictions, or repairs or changes necessary to place the bridge in a reasonably safe condition and the time in which repairs or changes are to be accomplished.