troubled bridge over waters

Wow.
I know it's easier to cover the Bay Bringe rebuild as a story of political fights--there's been plenty of ink over whether it'll be a suspension span, as initially designed or a plain causeway, as our mighty Governor prefers, and plenty of ink also about adding a bike lane--but if there's any truth to the allegations the Oakland Trib broke today, we have some more serious problems.

Lead contractor Kiewit Pacific Co., in a prepared statement, said the work was "in full compliance with all contract specifications."

But 15 welders from different shifts, who worked at the start, middle and end of the job, tell a different story.

Some company workers ordered faulty welds covered up — ones with cracks, bubbles or cavities — while they badgered inspectors into turning a blind eye, welders said in interviews with the FBI and the Tribune.

KFM paid employees monthly cash bonuses for early completion, but only when there were no reports of injury or weld repairs, according to welders, the FBI and a worksite document. Supervisors and welders were given $200 to $600 in $100 bills, tucked in envelopes.

Kiewit laid off or fired welders, including an entire night crew, who complained about workplace safety or quality, according to testimony from several welders in an arbitration hearing in a layoff dispute.

The arbitration panel ruled late last month that KFM legally let the night crew go to improve efficiency.

There's apparently an FBI investigation, and the problem could be bad enough that they'd essentially have to tear down everything they've done and start over.

Not good news.