Staləw̓asəm Bridge Bolt Issue

During a routine safety check, engineers identified several loose bolts securing the pedestrian safety barriers on the Staləw̓asəm Bridge. The bolts were located at a mid‑span pull‑out on the east side of the bridge and were found to be easily removable by hand, raising immediate questions about the integrity of the barrier system.

The bridge, a new pedestrian crossing, includes approximately 500 fence panels. Project managers reported that about a dozen nuts were found loose, and an additional 30 panels still require tightening. According to the construction team, these temporary panels are part of ongoing work and must be custom‑fitted once final alignment of the fencing is completed.

Wendy Itagawa, the project manager overseeing the bridge construction, emphasized that the structure is “absolutely safe” despite the bolt issue. She explained that the observed looseness is a result of the current phase of construction, during which final adjustments are still pending. However, she also affirmed that the Ministry of Transportation is actively coordinating with contractors and inspectors to address the problem before the bridge opens to the public.

Industry experts underscored the importance of a rigorous final inspection. Chris Gardner of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association warned that any oversight could indicate other missed details, urging the responsible agencies to conduct a comprehensive review. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about infrastructure maintenance and the necessity of thorough quality control in public projects.

In response, the government agency has scheduled an immediate follow‑up inspection to verify that all bolts are properly secured and that the remaining panels are correctly installed. The goal is to complete the final tightening of the remaining panels and confirm that the safety barriers meet all required standards.

While the discovery of loose bolts is concerning, the proactive steps taken by project officials demonstrate a commitment to public safety and infrastructure reliability. As the bridge approaches its final stages, continued vigilance will ensure that the structure serves the community safely and effectively.