Figg released from pier collapse lawsuit in Tampa

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) have formally released Figg Engineering from liability in the protracted litigation over responsibility for the collapse of a pier on the Reversible Express Lanes during construction in April 2004. After the collapse of one pier  another was found to have dropped a few inches. Independent engineers recommended that two thirds of the 225 piers be given extra piling support.

The original engineers for the job, URS, said this was excessive but THEA went ahead spending close to $100m extra on the project adding piles and building pile caps. The collapse and extra work delayed its opening by over a year.

Figg Engineering designed the piers and superstructure. However the company was not involved in pilings design - where the failure occurred.

The THEA is continuing the damages law suit against URS general engineering consultants and geo-technical designer, and against the prime contractor PLC Constructors claiming $120m in damages.

Repaired and strengthened, the reversible lanes are now considered a success story. There have been no further structural problems. The lanes have dramatically reduced travel times, and traffic and revenue is ahead of projections.

TOLLROADSnews 2008-05-06