Recent media reports stated that several "legs" of a newly built bridge in Cili County, Hunan province had become so eroded that the concrete was peeling off and the steel support bars were visible. Despite such obvious deterioration, the government's official WeChat carried a statement that the bridge was still safe to use.

The old bridge, built in 2005, is still in good shape. By contrast, the newly built bridge, which cost 88 million RMB, is already in disrepair after just six years of use. After sending for experts to investigate the site, officials determined the bridge not to be a hazard. On the other hand, Zhao Jiaxing, a bridge expert, said that the visible cracks in the bridge, as well as its overall shakiness, means the bridge could be potentially unsafe. Zhao believes the original design materials should be examined.

Other than the WeChat statement, the local government has not yet offered a public response.