Troubled Bridges Over Water LANSING, MI (Associated Press) -


A state audit says Michigan didn't complete about 10 percent of routine bridge inspections on time between 2006 and 2008.

There are more than 10,000 state-owned and locally owned bridges that must be inspected at least every two years.

The audit released Friday also says 59 percent of underwater bridge inspections either weren't done or weren't done on time. Auditors lay the blame on local bridge owners and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

State officials says they agree with the audit's recommendations.

Auditors especially worry that critical inspections weren't done to check for erosion near bridges going over water. The erosion of the streambed or bank around bridge piers is the most common cause of bridge failure and closure. © Copyright 2009, Associated Press