Bay Bridge Construction Woes Raise Earthquake Safety Concerns

According to an article by Jaxon Van Derbeken, "mounting revelations of construction problems are calling into question whether the new [eastern span of the Bay Bridge] can withstand the Big One."

Bad news has followed the span since it opened in September 2013, mostly having to do with poor construction and project oversight. All that bad news brings the eastern span to this point:

"Tests showing signs of saltwater intrusion into the bridge tower’s foundation and damage to its anchor rods could be the most serious seismic issues for the project. But they aren’t the only ones. Substandard welds on the suspension span’s decks and water leaks near rods that secure the main cable also trouble engineers outside Caltrans who are experts in bridge construction and integrity."

The article includes a lot more detail about the defects and challenges facing engineers. The article also calls on numerous experts to offer their opinions about the safety of the bridge in the event of an earthquake.

Along with the recent news coverage, the San Francisco Chronicle printed an op-ed [paywall] calling for local officials to turn over responsibility for the testing and repairs necessary to ensure the bridge's safety to the federal Department of Transportation.