An extensive inquiry by an upstate newspaper is leading to questions over the new Tappan Zee bridge and whether the state covered up questions about the structural integrity of the bridge. The Albany Times Union reported yesterday they’ve been investigating a whistleblower’s concerns over bolt failures for the past eight months. The paper suggested the attorney general’s office over the years has sought to downplay the severity of the allegations and any potential structural threat. Tappan Zee Constructors and their attorney declined to be interviewed for the Times Union’s article, but have denied concealing bolt failures, accused a former safety manager of inflating the severity of the situation, and stand by the safety of the bridge.