Caltrans Accused Of Falsifying Bridge Safety Reports
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Cal Trans safety inspection reports for several Southland bridges were fabricated, according to a new investigation.
The 405 Freeway bridge over Braddock Drive is one of the bridges in question, but officials say it is still considered safe.
A carpool flyover ramp on the 60 and 57 freeways in Diamond Bar was also tested with faulty equipment.
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KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports.
A whistleblower within Caltrans told the Sacramento Bee that tests on bridges across the state were fabricated or measured with inadequate tools. In fact, test results for the La Sierra Road overpass were falsified three years ago, but the bridge was later retested and deemed safe.
The Caltrans engineer responsible for making those measurements, 58-year-old Duane Wiles, was disciplined for faking test results.
Wiles, who is also responsible for the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, has been placed on administrative leave. The $6.3 billion project is the largest in state history.
Wiles was also charged with contact with a minor for sexual offense – a felony – last year.
