Three different investigations have now begun to find out the cause of a California bridge collapse that injured 10 construction workers.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) announced that the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the California Department of Transportation and an independent forensic engineer all had investigations underway to determine what caused the partial collapse of an Interstate 91 onramp under construction in Corona.
Ten workers were injured when jacking equipment failed and caused a deck of the bridge to fall and hit support beams during construction on the 91 Project. The beams then fell on the construction workers.
In addition to the two investigations by California governmental agencies, project design-build contractor Atkinson/Walsh Joint Venture hired KCE Structural Engineers out of Washington, D.C. to conduct a study. KCE was involved in the evaluation and repair of the Pentagon following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The RCTC also said that the road underneath the bridge opened back up on Monday and Atkinson/Walsh had resumed construction.
“Our first and foremost priority has been, and continues to be, the safety of the workers and the traveling public,” Mayer said. “RCTC, Atkinson/Walsh and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) are working with interested families of the injured workers to establish a Workers’ Assistance Account. These worker accounts provide the opportunity for public donations to be made to the workers and their families. In addition, CTF will match the donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per worker.”
Seven of the ten workers injured were still being hospitalized as of Wednesday, but the severity of their injuries has not been released. Mayer said the injured construction workers’ medical care and disability benefits are also covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
“The 91 Project team’s thoughts and prayers remain with those injured by this accident. The kind words and offers of support from the community are sincerely appreciated,” Mayer said. “… These investigations will take time, and they need to be done right. The project team is cooperating with each investigation and RCTC will be monitoring progress and findings.”
The 91 Project is a $1.4 billion project to extend the tolled express lanes on Interstate 91 between Orange County and Riverside, add additional lanes in certain areas and improve five interchanges. The project began in 2014 and is expected to be complete in 2017.
