October 22, 2003
In the skin of a lion.
According to San Francisco busybodies Matier & Ross, construction on the beautiful new Carquinez "Al Zampa" Bridge is heading into overtime in order to open before Gray Davis leaves the office of Governor.
In other Caltrans news, the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge may not be complete until 2009:
American steel companies accuse Caltrans of delaying the project and changing the bidding process to give foreign steel companies an edge. Construction costs have tripled to an estimated $3 billion.
"We've been listening to the contractors -- listening to what they can and cannot do," said Bijan Sartipi, Caltrans District Director. "They've come up with some innovative ways, and in turn, we've changed some of our practices."
American companies say U.S. steel should be used for the Bay Bridge construction, instead of cheaper foreign steel.
Two-thirds of the planned work remains unfinished.
