DOT 75-07
Contact: Brian Turmail, Phone: (202) 366-4570
Thursday, August 2, 2007

Secretary Peters Asks Inspector General to Review the National Bridge Inspection Program

In response to the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota last night, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has requested the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General to conduct a rigorous assessment of the National Bridge Inspection Program.

“What happened in Minnesota is simply unacceptable. We must have a top-to-bottom review of the bridge inspection program to make sure that everything is being done to keep this kind of tragedy from occurring again,” Secretary Peters said.

The Secretary called for the Inspector General to determine if the current federal program delivers the highest level of bridge safety. And, if needed, the Inspector General will make recommendations for future changes to the program.