Cardi Corp Pays Feds $500K for Improper Work on I-Way Bridge

Cardi Corp Pays Feds $500K for Improper Work on I-Way Bridge

Cardi Corporation will pay $500,000 to resolve the federal government’s claims that in 2007 Cardi Corporation improperly installed a crash railing on the I-195 I-Way bridge as well as its approach. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Dambruch and Special Agent Todd Damiani. 

Cardi Corporation is the primary contractor responsible for the construction of the I-195 I-Way Project and the Providence River Bridge. 

“As evidenced by this settlement agreement with Cardi Corporation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the integrity of the programs designed to maintain and improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to protect the taxpayers’ investment in our nation’s infrastructure from fraud, waste, abuse and violations of law,” said Damiani.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The Investigation 

An investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Region One Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation concluded that Cardi improperly installed the crash railing by cutting, eliminating, or altering key segments of structural reinforcing steel rebar that was intended to anchor the railing to the bridge. The government alleges that these changes rendered the railing unsafe, inadequate and, unfit for its intended use and/or not in compliance with project specifications.

The defect in the rail, installed in 2007, came to light in 2013 when a vehicle crashed into the railing, prompting further investigation and testing.  

Based on the findings of its investigation, the federal government alleges that the rail actually installed by Cardi was different from the design specification required by its contract with RIDOT, and from FHWA-mandated safety standards. The federal government, which funded 80% of the cost of the bridge project through the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”), alleges that Cardi made these changes to the rail’s design without necessary approvals from the Rhode Island Department of Transpiration (“RIDOT”), the state agency responsible for overseeing the bridge project. 

Cardi will pay $500,000 to resolve the federal government’s civil claim, which represents a full recovery of FHWA federal funds used for the installation of the rail.  

The rail in question has since been replaced with a new design that meets FHWA safety criteria.