Caltrans is reportedly looking into the impact of potentially damaging microorganisms on welds on the underwater foundation of the new span of the Bay Bridge.
A report by NBC Bay Area found that corrosion on the piles supporting the foundation — which are made from steel 3 and 3/4 inches thick — show evidence of accelerated corrosion due to these microorganisms, meaning that the projected 150-year life span may not be accurate.
A company called Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc., based in Texas, sent divers to observe the bridge’s submerged support and upon removing barnacles, discovered that some of the piles exhibited pits likely due to bacteria.
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