Big news in the Chron-o-sphere this a.m. is that the Bay Bridge's eastern span construction, while still about 15 months behind, may still open on schedule in 2013 assuming they can get all the essential, uh, structural pieces in place.

"We're obviously not talking about opening without some sections or a tower," said Steve Heminger, executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and member of a panel overseeing bridge construction. "But we are looking at the possibility of opening while some mechanical and electrical work is being completed."

The blame, as we've heard, is being foisted on China for delays in the fabrication of certain sections of the new deck, and there's talk of new "incentives" to speed them up, as well as an American contractor on board to anticipate problems. (Way to stimulate the economy, guys.)

The good news? The first pieces of the 525-foot signature suspension tower are arriving in May.