One of the reasons for the $6.4 billion investment in the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge was to ensure the safety of the bridge in the even of a large earthquake.
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.
FULL STORY: Plague of problems puts Bay Bridge seismic safety in question
Report: Caltrans Systematically Quelled Bay Bridge Safety Concerns
Instagram images and group bike rides now celebrate the Bay Bridge’s eastern span, but the bridge’s long construction process was a constant source of concern. A new report details what went wrong to (hopefully) prevent future mistakes.
The Many Ongoing Public Transportation Projects of the Bay Area
The San Francisco Chronicle offers a round-up of 11 big transit projects, by Caltrans, BART, SFMTA, and others, making progress around the bay.
Planning Underway for New Bay Bridge Bike Path, and a Second Transbay BART Tube
In a distant and expensive future, there are two new ways to get across the San Francisco Bay without a car. One will have a much better view.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service