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Audit: MDOT Falling Down On Bridge Inspections

archive.freep.com

A state Auditor General’s report has found problems with Michigan’s bridge inspection program.

As we hear from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta, it says the state’s worst bridges aren’t inspected often enough.

Fixing that may require some changes in state law. But, for now, the Michigan Department of Transportation says it will increase the frequency of inspections of the worst bridges.

But the transportation department’s Jeff Cranson says resources are already stretched thin…

“So, yeah, ultimately, these are choices and it becomes a borrow from Peter to pay Paul kind of decision,” he says.

There’s a political fight going on right now over a ballot question to raise more money for transportation. Opponents say the state should be forced to cut more before asking voters to approve a tax increase.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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