Bay Bridge closed after rod snaps, cars hit

SFGate ^ | oct 27, 2009 | Michael Cabanatuan

[Thidwick]

Authorities said they are shutting down the Bay Bridge in both directions after pieces of the cantilever section fell during the late-afternoon commute, striking three vehicles on the upper deck, the California Highway Patrol said.

Caltrans officials said the parts that fell were two high-strength rods and a saddle that were part of the emergency repair that delayed the opening of the bridge on Labor Day weekend.

[Wacka]

A 5.0 probably wouldn’t do anything. The 1989 quake was 60 miles away and a 6.9-7, almost 100 times stronger.

[baa39]

Sounds like they should put you in charge of the project. I don’t know what the heck a “washer plate” is but if you’ve narrowed down the problem that specifically based on news reports, seems like you’re brighter than the folks overseeing the bridge work.

[Carry_Okie]

Another major concern is the delay in finishing the schematic designs, which are being drawn up by a team in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Oh but Arnold saved money by screwing Bechtel and going with his buddy (and financial backer) Warren Buffet's buddy Peter Kiewit (in whom Warren is invested). Who cares about the cost of delays; the bid was less (at first).

[your local physicist]

California spent so much money on medicaid fraud and welfare for illegal immigrants, so now it can’t afford to buy high quality steel made in America. It feels good to be out of there permanently, although my hometown will always be my hometown.

[Moonman62]

Caltrans officials said the parts that fell were two high-strength rods and a saddle that were part of the emergency repair that delayed the opening of the bridge on Labor Day weekend.

They should have used duct tape (or maybe they did).

[your local physicist]

You know I’m really starting to think all these quality problems in Chinese products (steel, drywall, toothpaste, etc.) are not a coincidence. How could all that drywall shipped to America be contaminated with noxious chemicals when none of the other drywall made in China has that problem? I don’t buy their explanation.

[giotto]

Said the parts were made in China.

I just lost all confidence in that bridge.

[Soothesayer9]

Gah..Im glad Im not the guy who has to repair that thing. I think jumping out of a plane is easier next to that.

[houeto]

one of the videos from the website has an interview with the Rider truck driver....a must see!

Go see the vid clip folks. A good chuckle.

"I see dis in da movie but, ah, I never see dis, uh, uh, like dat!"

[Doogle]

..people of the bay area will be worried, some human robot in China, who's responsibility is to get things done, is on the “short list”

[Doogle]

yeah.....
reporter: I’m glad your ok sir
driver: yea
reporter: ever see anything like this in Mexico?
driver: I no speak....ah...ah...
reporter: when did you become a citizen?
driver: me gotta go,I no...

[Doogle]

[FReepaholic]

...You know I’m really starting to think all these quality problems in Chinese products (steel, drywall, toothpaste, etc.) are not a coincidence...

Then don't buy a Lenovo computer or laptop. I read that some suspect the Chinese have built "backdoors" into the chips.

[Strategerist]

A 6.5-7.0 on the Hayward fault will drop this bridge-permanently-if it happens before the complete set of upgrades is complete.