(The Associated Press circulated the following on September 17, 2009.)
PHILADELPHIA — The Frankford elevated train line in Philadelphia was rebuilt in the 1980s and 1990s to last for 75 years, but that’s not the case.
The elevated line needs major repairs because of a basic flaw in its reconstruction design.
SEPTA says repairs could cost $20 million or more.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority engineers say the elevated was rebuilt in a way that does not allow its deck to adequately expand and contract with temperature changes.
The result is crumbling concrete. SEPTA crews have installed 8,000 metal mesh belts on the underbelly of the elevated to prevent concrete from falling onto cars or pedestrians.
SEPTA is suing the two engineering companies who oversaw the reconstruction plans for the repair costs.