Which statement describes the inspector's role regarding public investment?

• A. Oversee long-term investment planning for new bridges only
• B. Write daily traffic summaries for bridge corridors
• C. Monitor minor problems that can become costly repairs and recommend closing a bridge
• D. Review NBIS compliance annually

Answer: (C)

Protecting public investment means watching for signs of wear or deterioration early and acting to prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs. The best description of the inspector’s role is to monitor minor issues that could escalate into costly repairs and to recommend closing a bridge when conditions pose unacceptable risk. This proactive approach helps keep assets safe and funding well spent by avoiding or mitigating major failures through early maintenance, repairs, or temporary closure when necessary. While planning long-term investment, daily traffic summaries, or annual NBIS compliance are important tasks, they belong to other parts of the process; the inspector’s focus here is on condition monitoring and risk management to protect the asset and public safety.