Caltrans never approved design of Bay Bridge S-curve

[ZLoth]

From SF Gate:

Caltrans never approved design of Bay Bridge S-curve

Caltrans managers never approved the perilous design of the Bay Bridge's S-curve - now being demolished to make way for the new eastern span - and authorized the use of portable concrete rails despite the risk of vehicles hurtling over the side, according to documents from a wrongful death suit the state agency recently settled for $700,000.

Details about Caltrans' decision-making emerged in the fight over a Nov. 9, 2009, accident in which a Hayward trucker plunged 200 feet to his death after his rig tipped and rode over the railing. It was the worst in a rash of wrecks that occurred after the curve had been put in place two months earlier.

In 2003, Caltrans officials authorized a sharper curve than would normally be allowed under freeway standards, but said they never approved changes made by a lower level engineer that may have worsened the situation.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

Funny how this article comes out during Labor Day weekend. 
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