The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a research program to address bridge falsework design and construction. This program was initiated as a result of the findings from the investigation into the collapse of a bridge carrying the future eastbound lanes of Maryland Route 198 over the southbound lanes of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway on August 31, 1989. It was determined by the collapse review board that existing procedures for design and construction of bridge falsework were, at best, suspect. To guide and direct this program, FHWA formed the Scaffolding, Shoring, and Forming Task Group. Members of the task group represent state highway departments, contractors, manufacturers/suppliers, professional societies, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the federal government. Their task is to collect and develop a comprehensive design and construction specification relative to the use of temporary works for bridges.