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
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)