Allen: Key test needed for new cap on Gulf spill

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The federal government’s point man for the Gulf oil spill says they hope to do a key test soon that will determine if a new cap being installed can withstand the pressure of the spewing crude.

In network television interviews today, retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said the integrity test could begin later in the day.

BP underwater robots have been steadily assembling heavy metal pieces in what could be the most significant progress yet toward containing the gushing Gulf of Mexico oil well.

BP says it’s ahead of schedule as it goes into the 83rd day of the environmental and economic disaster that began when an oil rig exploded in April, killing 11 workers.