Speeding Up Demolition Of Old Bay Bridge Piers Could Save Millions Of Dollars, Transportation Officials Say
OAKLAND (KCBS) -- Some transportation officials are hoping the removal of the old Bay Bridge can be sped-up in order to save millions of dollars, but some Bay Bridge staff are skeptical of moving up the timeline.
Current projections show the removal of the old bay bridge being completed in 2018, and running $140 million over budget. The executive director of the MTC, and Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty have asked staff to explore moving up the timeline to 2017 to save money.
"I can't emphasize enough, it is not our decision to make," Bay Bridge Spokeswoman Leah Robinson Leach said.
Leach says there are federal and state environmental and permitting considerations.
Current plans call for two pier implosions between October and November of this year, with six smaller implosions in 2017 and 7 in 2018.
Chief bridge engineer Brian Maroney offered reassurance of the bolt support system and said the bridge is safe.