The metal pipe that came crashing down a couple weeks ago on Interstate 84 westbound in Hartford was not in active use, according to the state Department of Transportation.
"I understand that as far as we know, it's an obsolete piece of equipment and as a result, probably had not been inspected recently," said DOT Deputy Commissioner Anna Barry.
Three vehicles were damaged after the pipe fell in the Hartford Tunnel on Aug. 8, either from running over the pipe or crashing into it. No one was hurt.
Barry said the DOT is responsible for maintenance of all equipment on its structures and bridges, whether or not the equipment is being used.
"Most of the systems that are attached to a structure are doing something active in the system, so they're frequently looked at," she said. "In this case, here it wasn't."
She said the DOT has regular inspection schedules in place but may need to expand them.
"What we need to do is make sure we're aware of everything that's there and we're taking a look at it even if no one else is," Barry said.
The pipe came down around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in the area of exit 50, briefly closing the highway. It was holding an electrical wire, according to the DOT.
The investigation is ongoing.
Photo Credit: Conn. Department of Transportation