Cracks In The Pavement, Other Premature Wear Leads To Lawsuits Against Contractors

A 13,000-foot runway at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) which opened in April 2007 is already showing signs of wear, and the city has filed a $250 million lawsuit against four contractors that worked on the resurfacing project.

The suit alleges that construction flaws have led to cracks and other signs of wear in the pavement. The Los Angeles Times reports that, according to court documents, the pavement may need to be replaced again much sooner than would normally be expected, leading to disruptions in operations at the airport.

"As a result of the contractors’ negligent construction, the runway is deteriorating in an accelerated fashion and will ultimately interfere with ongoing runway operations," the lawsuit, filed in  Los Angeles County Superior Court in Torrance, CA states.

Among the defects listed in the suit are early deterioration of the concrete, as well as damaged or lost concrete, mortar lift-off, and "pop-outs" of some sections of the runway.

The contractors named in the lawsuit include R & L Brosamer, HNTB Corp., CH2M Hill Inc. and a joint venture involving Tutor-Saliba Corp. and O & G Industries Inc.

FMI: www.lacity.org