DOT Office of Inspector General Evaluating Alleged Defect with Memphis Runway

May 6, 2010 - PRLog -- (Memphis, Tennessee)  DOT OIG Senior Investigator Scott Harding confirmed DOT OIG Auditors have been reviewing documentation alleging a defect exists with a new runway at Memphis International Airport.

The alleged defect was discovered during an inspection of a massive drainage tunnel called Hurricane Creek which passes beneath the runway.  Photographs of the interior of the tunnel show the tunnel’s support walls located directly below the runway bulging from the weight of the new runway above.

Tennessee’s Governor Phil Bredesen contacted the DOT’s Office of Inspector General on April 5, 2010 after being contacted by a Whistleblower who reported the alleged defect to the Governor’s office.

Runway 9/27 at Memphis International is one of the busiest in the world due to FedEx’s extensive use.  The runway is currently still in service and has not yet received a site inspection by DOT Engineers.

For additional information contact Guy Cobb.