Caltrans Speeds Up Work On Bay Bridge Water Control Issues Amid Storms
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- As the state receives its heaviest rain since the 2013 completion of the eastern span of the Bay Bridge, efforts to prevent leaks and protect portions of the bridge are being sped up, Caltrans officials said Friday.
The bridge wasn't expected to be water tight, but Caltrans crews are attempting to limit the amount of moisture steel components of the Bay Bridge are being exposed to, according to Caltrans.
An order was signed with Benicia-based Golden State Bridge Inc. in late December for up to $3 million to assist Caltrans engineers in various repairs related to weather protection, according to Caltrans.
The work, which is now expected to be complete by mid-2016, is being paid for through existing Bay Area Toll Authority funds.
The maintenance was identified as being necessary during routine inspections, Caltrans officials said. It's considered proactive and is mitigating future concerns, according to Caltrans.
The new span of the Bay Bridge has experienced numerous issues requiring repairs dating back as early as several months before its September 2013 opening, when it was discovered that a significant number of 96 bolts that secure earthquake shock absorbers broke when they were tightened on a pier east of Yerba Buena Island.