The centerpiece of the new east span of the Bay Bridge, a glorious self-anchored suspension segment, now appears to be keeping officials in suspense.
Crews are still awaiting the arrival of eight deliveries of gigantic welded steel parts from China. The order was placed back in October 2008, but due to a welding error the material may not be delivered for another month. The Shanghai manufacturing plant where the sections are being produced relies heavily on hand labor, which could have been the cause of the welding mishap.
Andrew Fremier, deputy executive director of the Bay Area Toll Authority, issued the delay warning in front of the authority’s executive oversight committee.
The new east span is still scheduled to open in 2013, and officials are not ready to push the date back, even though experts are saying the late delivery could mean a 2014 completion.
The toll authority, Caltrans and a group of contractors are attempting to diffuse the possibility of delay by speeding up construction on other sections of the bridge.
