The San Francisco Chronicle’s Jaxon Van Derbeken reported over the weekend that the iconic tower of the Bay Bridge’s new eastern span is secured by 424 galvanized steel rods that may be at risk of cracking.
Unlike the almost 1,900 other problematic steel rods embedded in the span, Caltrans cannot easily inspect or replace those at the base of the tower because they are buried within concrete atop pilings that reach deep into bedrock.
This report is only the latest in a string of revelations that have raised concerns over the past two months as to whether the new span will be ready to open on schedule on Labor Day weekend and, more fundamentally, whether it will be safe to drive on once it does open.
Recent related posts:
May 8, 2013 Caltrans: Bay Bridge Repair Could Cost $10 Million; Hopes For Scheduled Labor Day Opening