Fredericton Engineering firm signs culvert inspection tech deal with New Brunswick

New Brunswick transportation and infrastructure minister Bill Fraser (left) and Inversa Systems president and CEO John Bowles. (source: Government of New Brunswick)

The government of New Brunswick has signed a contract with Inversa Systems of Fredericton to use the engineering company’s backscatter computed tomography technology to assess culverts in the province.

“Your government understands that transportation infrastructure is vital to the safety of the travelling public and the competitiveness of our industries,” said transportation and infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser, in a government news release. “Timely maintenance of infrastructure like culverts preserves its lifespan and costs less than replacement.”

Inversa Systems’ portable CT scanning for infrastructure technology allows for a more efficient inspection and assessment of culverts that are buried in deep fills and carry a large volume of traffic. The company can assess buried structures without digging them up for a visual inspection.

“Culverts are an essential part of our transportation network in New Brunswick,” said Fraser. “This technology allows us to inspect culverts in the ground, without the expense of digging them up, not to mention the inconvenience for motorists.”

The department conducted a pilot assessment of 15 culverts, and has now formalized the relationship with a five-year contract for the assessment of 250 culverts at a maximum cost of $500,000 per year.

“This program will position the New Brunswick department of transportation and infrastructure as a leader in asset management of buried infrastructure,” said Inversa Systems president and CEO John Bowles. “We look forward to replicating this model across North America, which will create jobs and more economic growth right here in New Brunswick.”