Cracks found on Texas' largest bridge? Builder reveals what's happening

The towering Harbor Bridge, a record-setting Texas landmark with 538-foot pylons and one of the longest cable-stayed spans in the country, is now at the center of online questions after a viral video showed cracks on its concrete supports.

The concern started after Corpus Christi resident Charlie Ortiz shared a short video on social media showing what appeared to be cracks on one of the massive concrete pylons.

Ortiz did not provide much context with the post, simply writing: "I'm just going to leave this right here."

The video quickly gained attention, with viewers questioning whether the visible cracks were a sign of a larger problem with the newly built bridge.

Lynn Allison, public information manager for the Harbor Bridge Replacement Project, told Chron the cracks identified on the bridge's pylons are cosmetic surface cracks that were discovered during routine inspections.

READ MORE: Record-breaking bridge opens in Texas-the largest of its kind in the U.S.

"All surface cracks in concrete bridge support structures are a common and anticipated characteristic of the material behavior and will be routinely addressed in accordance with industry-standard procedures as part of ongoing maintenance," Allison said. She said engineers have determined there are no structural concerns related to the safety or durability of the U.S. 181 Harbor Bridge.

The issue is not limited to the bridge's towering pylons.

Allison said surface cracks have already been repaired on nine approach bridge piers, with final repairs and repainting scheduled to be completed on Friday.

During the repair process, normal surface treatment activities can temporarily make cosmetic cracks appear more noticeable, Allison said.

Flatiron/Dragados, the company responsible for constructing the Harbor Bridge, issued the same statement in response to the concerns.

The company said crews are already working to address the issue on both pylons. The work includes surface treatment and restoring the bridge's white exterior finish. Flatiron/Dragados said crews completed work on the north pylon and expected to finish the south pylon by Friday.

The builder also said the treatment process can temporarily make cosmetic cracks appear more noticeable.

A massive Texas bridge

The new Harbor Bridge replaced Corpus Christi's aging 1959 bridge and opened after years of construction.

The structure stretches more than 6 miles and was designed to accommodate larger ships traveling through the Port of Corpus Christi. Its main span across the ship channel measures 1,661 feet, and its towering pylons rise 538 feet above the water.

The bridge is considered the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States and the tallest structure in South Texas.

Because of its size, cost and years-long construction history, the bridge has remained closely watched by residents across the Coastal Bend.

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