2 Investigators: Woman's Car Smashed After Concrete Falls From Expressway
(CBS) -- Big chunks of concrete keep falling from state bridges. CBS 2-Investigator Dave Savini started looking into this hazard after a woman just missed being crushed in the West Loop.
For three months, the 2-Investigators warned the state about potentially dangerous expressway overpasses and the fractured pillars and beams that hold them up. CBS 2 found massive chunks of concrete crumbling and threatening the people passing below.
Amanda Whittington got the scare of her life when a massive piece of concrete fell from the I-290, Eisenhower Expressway overpass, on to her parked car in May.
"I would have been killed," said Whittington. "This piece was about two-and-a-half feet wide. It fell on the windshield and ricocheted off towards the driver's side."
It happened at the Mid-City Parking lot located underneath the expressway in the West Loop where the I-290 passes over city streets and sidewalks. There you can see the bridge and ramps to the I-290 crumbling. Steel rebar exposed and concrete falls at the touch.
For weeks, CBS 2 inspected and uncovered concrete supports, pillars and beams falling apart. Large portions of expressway walls fractured, with pieces missing or ready to fall.
"Anyone who is anywhere near here, is in danger," said Whittington.
In May, she alerted IDOT and the company it leased the land to, Mid-City Parking, to the danger. Neither accepted responsibility for the more than $5,000 of damage to her car and neither have made repairs.
"They are not concerned in the slightest," said Whittington. "They know this is happening."
CBS 2 found Jasmine Gill parked nearby until she saw the conditions above and moved her car.
"That's so frightening," said Gill. "I just don't feel safe."
But CBS 2 found even more trouble spots along the I-290, there are numerous overpasses west of the Loop from the I-90/I-94 Interchange to California Avenue to Kostner Avenue and further west toward Harlem Avenue.
The 2-investigators asked IDOT through a Freedom of Information Act request for all other claims involving crumbling concrete and any damage or injuries related to bridges but IDOT refused to turn over any records.
"The infrastructure is just falling apart and it doesn't seem like it's a priority," said Whittington
According to IDOT, Mid-City's lease says the company is responsible for any damage or injuries.
CBS 2 contacted Mid-City, they say they will now compensate Whittington for her car damage.
IDOT last structurally inspected the bridge in June 2014, which is slated to be reconstructed, but it will likely be a couple of years before that work even begins.
We appealed to the Illinois Attorney General and they are now looking into the legality of IDOT's refusal to turn over all damage or injury claim records.
