The State Thruway Authority is slamming a published report that structural problems on the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge were covered up.

The New York State Thruway Authority's Project Director Jamey Barbas issued a statement yesterday calling the report in the Albany Times Union "wrong and irresponsible."

In the special report Sunday, a whistleblower alleged broken bolts on the bridge posed a serious risk to its integrity.

The whistleblower also accused the New York State Inspector General and Attorney General's offices of conducting a lackluster investigation when it was brought to their attention.

Barbas says experts studied and tested well over 500 bolts and that the bridge has been and continues to be safe for the traveling public.