'Big Fix' On I-5 Showing Signs Of Leaking

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- New questions about the condition of Interstate 5 in Sacramento are being raised after water pooled in the lowest section of the roadway Tuesday, the area that was the subject of the "Big Fix."

The $30 million project in 2008 was designed to solve drainage problems for the section of the interstate that sits below the river, but even on a bright and sunny day, vehicles in the fast lane splashed through puddles during rush hour.

The brand new drainage and pumping system was supposed to handle the extra water from the swollen Sacramento River.

CBS13 cameras also spotted small cracks on the concrete where the water is pooling, something Caltrans officials haven't seen yet.

Caltrans spokesperson Mark Dinger said officials believe the Big Fix is working as designed, but they plan to inspect the area for any problems within the next few days.

The 2008 project replaced the road surface, but left the rest of the concrete untouched. The older parts of the roadway, including the shoulders and median, could be up to 40 years old.