The new Bay Bridge's building contractor is set to receive a $20 million bonus as long as the bridge is ready for its Sept. 3 scheduled opening, according to reports.
The possibility is making state lawmakers uneasy, as trouble with anchor bolts has led citizens and lawmakers to question the bridge's integrity -- and an on-time bonus is making officials worry that the bridge will face a "risky rush to completion," according to the Contra Costa Times.
Contractor American Bridge/Fluor Enterprise was offered the bonus in 2010 as a way to get the long-overdue bridge's construction "back on track."
In all, the contractor's deal is worth $1.43 billion.
In addition to the bolts that broke when tightened, "bad welds and rusted tendons" have also been found on the bridge, according to the report.
The contractor also risks penalties of $100,000 a day if the bridge is not open past Nov. 30.
A bridge spokesman said that the bridge will not open until it is ready -- and safe, the newspaper reported.
