Herb Gray Parkway girder review done but not public, yet

Ontarios Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Glen Murray said a government review panel of controversial girders used in the $1.4-billion Herb Gray Parkway is complete.

I have just become aware of some of the contents and details, Murray told Windsor-Tecumseh NDP MPP Percy Hatfield during question period at Queens Park.

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation told CBC Windsor it knew in "late 2012" a number of girders manufactured for the Herb Gray Parkway did not meet code.

Some of those girders were installed in January.

Murray said 560 girders that did not meet code were produced and 320 of them were installed in two tunnels. ContractorFreyssinet manufactured some of the girders using tack welding the girdersin Windsor.

Approximately a month later, it was announced girders manufactured by Prestressed Systems and installed at the North Talbot Bridge do not meet code.

Murray said his ministrys chief engineer has spent a day reviewing the report prepared by experts.

He said the report is now under review of minister lawyers and engineers.

Hatfield claimed Murray was to brief him about the report Monday but abruptly cancelled. Murray didnt deny Hatfields claim that a meeting was scheduled and cancelled.

I ensure he will get a full briefing, Murray said. I will ensure [the opposition] will have a full briefing prior to its release. This is a very serious matter.

The Ministry of Transportation says the girders do not meet the requirements of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.

Ministry spokesperson Patrick Searle told CBC News the report was to be made public Wednesday.