Bay Bridge Cables to Be Inspected

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Maryland Transportation Authority is planning a comprehensive inspection of critical suspension cables on the Bay Bridge.
  
Engineer Geoffrey Kolberg told the Board of Public Works last month that the inspections are required every 30 years under standards set by the National Cooperative Highway Research Council. Officials say the inspections differ from annual visual inspections, because the cables will be opened and tested.
  
MdTA spokeswoman Kelly Melhem says the cables on the eastbound span last had the invasive inspection 29 years ago. The cables on the westbound span have not had the inspection since the span opened 35 years ago.
  
Kolberg conceded that the westbound inspection was "a little late."
  
Toll money will cover the $1.5 million cost.