The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "bridge projects" ...
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Pigging Out
A National Journal investigation looks at the new developments in the "age-old practice of lawmakers pledging their support for key legislation in exchange for federally funded projects in their districts." The tradition, known as "pork barrel spending," isn't likely to die, even though Republicans who seized Congress in 1994 wouldn't put up with it, the magazine reports. The story reveals that most GOP revolutionaries have been trying to steer money for roads and bridges toward their districts in exchange for supporting the new transportation bill. The article provides insight on how funding for infrastructure has changed over the years.
Tags: transportation; lawmakers; politicians; GOP; Republicans; Democrats; pet projects; highways; gas tax; federal funds
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More than a quarter of U.S. bridges deemed inadequate, records show
"More than a quarter of the nation's bridges are too weak, dilapidated or overburdened for their current traffic, according to federal records." The Kansas City Star investigated Missouri and Kansas bridges, and found that "as of last year, nearly four out of 10 Missouri bridges were 'deficient.' In Kansas, nearly 26 percent of bridges rated as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete." However, "relief is coming. The Missouri General Assembly has approved selling up to $2.25 billion in bonds over several years to accelerate road and bridge projects already in the works. . . And in Kansas, the Legislature passed a 10-year, $13 billion transportation program in 1999. About $356 million of the money is earmarked for bridge work."
Tags: bridges; construction; Federal Highway Administration; Kansas Department of Transportation; budgets; transportation; highways; traffic
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A Bridge Too Far
Minnesota Monthly investigated the numerous accidents that have occurred at the Highway 252-85th Avenue intersection, including the death of 11 year-old, Kara Kavanagh, as she crossed the street to get to McDonalds. "According to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) records from the past four years, at least 80 serious accidents have occurred there during the same period- nearly one every two weeks." City officials and MNDOT argue about who to blame for the staggering number of accidents in this area. Residents of the area are upset as they were told a pedestrian bridge or underpass tunnel would be built years ago. However, due to a lack of financial planning, the project was never built. Reporter John Rosengren continues to examine the efforts made to improve this intersection.
Tags: transportation; highways; Minnesota Department of Transportation; city officials; car accidents; intersections
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Big Dig Drinking
"The Big Dig/Central Artery project is the largest construction project in the country. The federally funded project will cost taxpayers an estimated 14 billion dollars. More than four thousand workers are building bridges and tunnels that millions of commuters will travel on. We watched as Big Dig workers left job sites, walked into bars, and drank at lunch. Many of the construction workers didn't have anything to eat, and then went back to work and operated heavy equipment. We wondered about the quality of work being done if some of these people were 'working under the influence'. Some workers walked right past the Big Dig's main office to get to the bars. If we could see what was happening, why couldn't state officials? After our story aired, the Big Dig launched its own investigation and two workers were fired."
Tags: drinking on the job; construction; Massachusetts Department of Public Safety; Massachusetts Department of Public Health; includes tape and transcript
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No title (id: 13050)
S.F. Weekly found that of the 17,964 tankers and freighters that entered the bay between 1990 and 1994, 132 were involved in accidents or near misses of some sort. And 43 lost power or steering or both. Of these, 15 were tankers. It is this group that is causing controversy over tug escort and speed limits. (June 14 - 20, 1995)
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No title (id: 9142)
The Day Publishing Co. (New London, Conn.) finds dire health effects from lead exposure among workers on state bridge projects; reports that the state has known of the danger for over three years, Aug. 30, 1992.
Tags: None
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Congress's Deconstruction Theory
Washington Monthly looks at the Davis-Bacon Act, a law passed in 1931 to protect construction workers, but which has become obsolete and expensive, adding to the cost of construction of federal projects to the tune of $1 billion a year.
Tags: small business; labor; Association of Minority Contractors of American; GAO; General Accounting Office; crumbling bridges; civic works; low-income housing; Chicago; prevailing wage; federal contractors; Building Trades Council
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No title (id: 5397)
Detroit News hires engineer to evaluate blueprints and work on Milwaukee Bridge, the most expensive highway project in state history; finds design and construction problems, triggering a federal investigation, March - December 1987.
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No title (id: 3128)
WPXI-TV (Pittsburgh) airs series on poor safety conditions iron workers faced during a bridge reconstruction project; they were exposed to dangerous amounts of lead paint fumes for more than a year; the contractor knew of exposure but did nothing for months, and when the company did act, it used a questionable form of treatment, 1983.
Tags: Tape