State senator calls for criminal investigation into Bay Bridge

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- A state senator is calling for a criminal investigation into construction problems on the new Bay Bridge.

The Sacramento Bee reports that Sen. Mark Desaulnier, D-Concord, says a Senate investigative report details how the California Department of Transportation knowingly accepted substandard work at taxpayer expense.

The report details how Caltrans knowingly accepted flawed, potentially hazardous work by a Chinese firm that welded most of the new suspension span roadway and tower.

A hearing on the report is scheduled for next month.