A potential safety cover up in the construction of the recently completed Mario Cuomo Bridge, involving the breakage of steel bolts keeping the bridge in tact, is being investigated.

First reported by NBC New York, the broken bolts were found while the bridge was still under construction. A spokesperson from the Office of the State Attorney General has confirmed to Spectrum News they are currently investigating the situation. 

This is not the first time the new bridge, built to replace the aging Tappan Zee and named for the governor's late father, has had problems. This fall, the opening of one of its new spans had to be delayed due to fears the old bridge might collapse. 

This came on the heels of a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the imminent opening of the span, which was timed to come just before the September thirteenth primary — in which the governor faced a challenge from actress and politician Cynthia Nixon. 

It was subsequently reported the Cuomo administration offered sweeteners to the contractor building the bridge, in order to meet a late August deadline to open. But the governor denied playing any role in the timetable for the bridge's opening. 

Cuomo easily defeated Nixon in the primary, and went on to a big victory in the November general election as well.

Tappan Zee Constructors, LL, reached out to Spectrum News via email Thursday evening, saying they are clarifying the investigation as one in regards to the contractor building the bridge, and not the Thruway Authority.

They also included a response from the Thruway Authority, written from their spokesperson.

"Well over a year ago, the Thruway Authority hired independent experts to check the safety of the bolts on the new bridge. After a thorough review, and before the first span of the new bridge opened to traffic, the independent experts concluded that the actual bolts and the bridge are safe. Public safety is our highest priority and the bridge is completely safe for the traveling public," read the statement. 

Tappan Zee Constructors spokeswoman Laura Ware also issued a statement to Spectrum News.

"To the extent that inquiries or concerns have been raised regarding the quality of the A490 bolts, Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) has fully cooperated by providing documentation, hundreds of actual bolts for testing and access to our employees," said the statement.

The statement continued, "To date, all bolt testing performed by multiple parties indicates there is not an issue with the bolts. Despite TZC’s continuous request that it be provided with any updated information concerning the quality of the A490 bolts, TZC has not been provided with, nor is it aware of any information that is contrary to these bolt testing results. TZC has demonstrated a constant willingness to address any additional issues and will continue to do so."