Meet Eddie Armendariz, Bridge Inspection Team Leader at Ulteig

At Ulteig, we rely on dedicated professionals to ensure the safety and reliability of vital infrastructure. Meet Eddie Armendariz, U.S. Navy veteran whose 28-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation led him to Ulteig. As a bridge inspection team leader, Eddie brings a lifelong dedication to public service and infrastructure safety. Read on to learn more about Eddie’s background, passions and what drives him every day at Ulteig.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role at Ulteig?

A: Eduardo “Eddie” Armendariz. I am a Bridge Inspection Team leader here at Ulteig. My key role is to perform routine bridge inspections. I am a US NAVY veteran who served on board the USS Enterprise CVN-65 before starting my 28-year career with the Texas Department of Transportation in Fort Worth, TX. I have five children (Valerie, Vivian, Armand, Esteban and Victoria), a beautiful wife (Eneida) and two turtles (Summer and Miracle). 

Q: What initially drew you to work at Ulteig, and how has your experience been so far?

A: Ulteig was mentioned to me by a former co-worker of mine, and I became interested to see what Ulteig was about. Not too long after, I received a phone call to see if I was interested in joining the company. I guess we can say the rest is history. My time here at Ulteig thus far has been a very warm and welcoming experience. The way employees have been welcoming me and making me feel part of the Ulteig team has made my transition from my previous career easy.

Q: Tell us about your professional background. How did you get into bridge inspection?

A: I started off as a General Engineering Technician in 1997 and after 10 years of bridge inspection field experience, moved up to become a bridge inspection team leader. In 2012, I became the Bridge Inspection Coordinator for the El Paso District, where I oversaw, implemented and monitored the bridge inspection program. My older brother was also a bridge inspector and was a huge influence on me getting into the profession. Bridges grew on me and I never looked back.

Q: Can you tell us about the responsibilities of a bridge inspector?

A: Identify which bridge(s) are being inspected and their locations. It is crucial to identify potential hazards such as traffic volume, accessibility issues and the presence of potential obstructions like wildlife. Ensuring that all personal protective equipment and traffic control devices are readily available is essential for the safety of both inspectors and the public.

Before departing for the bridge site, a thorough vehicle pre-trip inspection is conducted, checking headlights, turn signals, brake lights, strobe light, fluid levels, tire pressure and other critical components to confirm that the vehicle is in safe operating condition.  Once the vehicle pre-trip inspection is complete, we proceed to the bridge. As we approach the bridge, the operator activates the vehicle’s strobe lights to alert the traveling public. We park off the roadway, in a safe area, and set up “Bridge Inspection Ahead” signs and cones to ensure safety for both inspectors and motorists.

While walking towards the bridge, we remain vigilant of our surroundings and begin by measuring and inspecting the condition of the approach guard rail and the bridge rail. We look for distresses like cracking, settling, sagging or impact damage, documenting our findings and taking photographs. Upon reaching the bridge, we take measurements and inspect the deck or surface, capturing images and recording conditions meticulously.

After completing the inspection of the top of the bridge, we proceed underneath. Here, we inspect and document the conditions of the bottom of the deck, superstructure (including beams and bearings) and substructure (such as caps, columns and foundations). As part of our comprehensive inspections, we also take clearance measurements and photographs of all roadways and other features located beneath the bridge. If the bridge spans a waterway, we look for erosion or for the accumulation of debris that may cause the bridge to be overtopped and or cause the water flow to go around or wash out the approaches. We collect channel profile measurements, compare them to previous inspections and to the original channel ground line to ensure structural integrity and safety.   

This methodical approach not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also helps in identifying the rate of deterioration, prioritization of repairs and long-term maintenance needs, ensuring that public infrastructure remains safe and functional for all users. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about working in the Texas market?

A: Texas has many things to offer, from different wildlife and terrain to the people and the best food. Texas is huge and has more than 56,000 bridges (more than 18 states combined). My favorite part of working in the Texas market is that I love the citizens whom I have served for the last 28 years and want to continue to serve the great state of Texas and others.

Q: How does your expertise in bridge inspection help ensure that our clients’ infrastructure remains safe, reliable and cost-effective?

A: The safety of the traveling public is our clients’ number-one priority, making our inspections very important. As bridge inspectors, we are our clients’ eyes and ears. Our inspections will ensure our clients’ infrastructure is safe, reliable and will help them make cost-effective decisions.

Eddie’s journey from the USS Enterprise to leading bridge inspections across Texas exemplifies his dedication to safety, meticulous approach and genuine care for communities inspire us every day.