Charles Piller reports on the investigation into suspect safety test results for roads and bridges across CA, including the new Bay Bridge, revealing a string of troubling data for which officials and critics are holding Caltrans accountable.
Following an investigation last November led by the Sacramento Bee that identified testing irregularities caused by a rogue technician, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has begun a review of prior tests conducted on the newly constructed eastern span of the Bay Bridge, and other roads and bridges throughout the state. Their review has found numerous discrepancies in their records, including potentially harmful "intentional modifications" of data.
According to Piller, "[Investigators] found problems that extend beyond that former employee and call into question testing of the new Bay Bridge and three other key Bay Area spans." Their review "identified at least 23 cases of suspect radiation test data used to approve the reinforced concrete foundations of the Bay Bridge, Benicia-Martinez Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, according to state and federal reports and emails."
Governor Jerry Brown and Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty have refused to comment following these findings, while Caltrans spokesman Matt Rocco continues to assert that the Bay Bridge is safe.
California Sen. Mark DeSaulnier has scheduled a public hearing on August 14 to address Caltrans testing measures on the Bay Bridge foundation and what these findings mean in terms of public safety.
FULL STORY: Caltrans' records show problems with tests on Bay Bridge, other bridges

The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.

America’s Best New Bike Lanes
PeopleForBikes highlights some of the most exciting new bike infrastructure projects completed in 2022.

Early Sharrow Booster: ‘I Was Wrong’
The lane marking was meant to raise awareness and instill shared respect among drivers and cyclists. But their inefficiency has led supporters to denounce sharrows, pushing instead for more robust bike infrastructure that truly protects riders.

L.A. County Towns Clash Over Homelessness Policies
Local governments often come to different conclusions about how to address homelessness within their respective borders, but varying approaches only exacerbate the problem.

A Mixed-Use Vision for Houston Landfill Site
A local nonprofit is urging the city to consider adding mixed-use development to the site, which city officials plan to turn into a stormwater detention facility.

Milwaukee County Makes Substantial Progress on Homelessness
In 2022, the county’s point-in-time count of unhoused people reflected just 18 individuals, the lowest in the country.
Town of Palm Beach
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
York County Government
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Fitchburg, WI
City of Culver City
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.