Washington Bridge Closure Sparks Controversy in Rhode Island

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The deteriorating condition of the Washington Bridge led to its closure and raised concerns about infrastructure management.

News Summary

The westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island were closed due to critical structural failures found during inspections. The bridge, built in the 1960s, showed significant deterioration, leading to public outcry and calls for accountability. Despite previous warnings about its condition, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation failed to act appropriately. The state faces lawsuits and investigations regarding negligence, while local businesses suffer revenue losses from traffic disruptions. A new bridge replacement timeline has been announced with a projected completion in 2028.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Washington Bridge’s westbound lanes were abruptly closed on December 11, 2023, after critical structural failures were discovered during routine inspections. The bridge, constructed in the 1960s, had been supporting heavy traffic loads even while showing signs of significant deterioration, which state officials were unaware of until the recent inspection forced the closure.

An engineering report issued as early as 2020 had alerted the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) about vulnerabilities in the bridge’s design that necessitated urgent repairs. Despite these warnings and expert recommendations from 2012 and 2015 to prohibit heavy trucks from using the bridge, RIDOT allegedly did not take the necessary actions. After the bridge closure, shocking images surfaced, highlighting severe rust and other damaging conditions that had been neglected for years.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti attributed the immediate issues with the bridge to a heavy truck, despite evidence pointing to long-standing corrosion and neglect. This has led to mounting claims of professional malpractice against RIDOT for its inadequate maintenance practices, causing growing public mistrust regarding the state’s management of critical infrastructure.

Governor Dan McKee has faced criticism for not holding Alviti accountable, particularly following reports of significant pay raises provided to the director post-incident. Moreover, a decade of inspections conducted by RIDOT indicated persistent maintenance problems, many of which were cited in reports submitted annually without any corrective actions taken thereafter.

In light of the bridge’s failure, federal investigations have been launched by Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation as well as agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation. Local businesses around the bridge have reported dramatic revenue declines as a consequence of the traffic disruptions stemming from the closure, with some establishments closing permanently. Financial analysis has shown a staggering estimated loss of $114 million to the Rhode Island hospitality sector within a year of the shutdown, leading to approximately 1,342 job losses in that same timeframe.

The situation escalated further as Rhode Island filed a lawsuit against 13 companies involved in the design and maintenance of the bridge, alleging negligence and breach of contract. In response, the defendants filed a counterclaim that accused RIDOT of being aware of the bridge’s deteriorating conditions prior to soliciting bids for necessary repairs, alleging that the state concealed critical inspection data from potential contractors.

As part of the ongoing response to the bridge’s situation, a new timeline for its replacement has been announced, estimating a total cost of $427 million and projecting a completion date in November 2028, significantly later than originally anticipated.

Senator Sam Zurier has criticized RIDOT’s communication with residents, noting failures to adequately inform the public regarding demolition plans, which has contributed to frustration among community members about the noise and dust pollution created without prior notice. Residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction regarding the lack of engagement from RIDOT throughout the demolition process.

Concerns have also been raised about RIDOT’s overall management capabilities, especially in light of its previous handling of contamination cases and ongoing operational decisions. These issues have triggered alarms about public safety and the reliability of infrastructure throughout Rhode Island.

Compounding the controversy, a contractor involved in the demolition secured a nearly $40 million change order without the competitive bidding process, raising additional questions about the integrity of state contracts. The extended closure of the Washington Bridge continues to disrupt local transportation and economies, provoking anxiety that the handling of this situation may set unsettling precedents for infrastructure management and accountability across the state.