News Summary
Walsh Construction Company has been contracted by Governor Dan McKee to rebuild the westbound side of the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island. The project is initially estimated at $339 million but could rise to $427 million due to additional incentives. Slated to start in July 2025 and conclude by November 2028, the rebuild aims to accommodate 80,000 vehicles daily. Federal funding of $220.9 million significantly supports the project, although concerns about budget and timeline persist amidst public skepticism.
Rhode Island – Walsh Construction Company has been selected by Governor Dan McKee to undertake the significant task of rebuilding the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. The initial contract is valued at $339 million, but this figure may escalate to $427 million due to potential additional incentives and contingencies associated with the project.
Earlier estimates from last year suggested that the rebuild would cost between $250 million and $300 million. Walsh Construction has been recognized as one of the top bridge builders in the nation, indicating a measure of confidence by state officials in the company’s capability to manage such a critical infrastructure project.
Governor McKee emphasized that the new Washington Bridge aims to facilitate safe and smooth travel for residents. The project includes incentives to encourage timely completion, with up to $10 million in bonuses available for opening new lanes ahead of schedule.
The timeline for the project anticipates initial work—such as site surveying, material ordering, and workforce mobilization—to start in July 2025. Construction is projected to conclude in November 2028, with the new bridge designed to accommodate up to 80,000 vehicles daily for a lifespan of 100 years.
Currently, demolition of the old Washington Bridge is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Underwater segments of the foundation will be addressed after July 1, 2025. Notably, the Washington Bridge was partially shut down in December 2023 due to safety concerns raised by an independent review that revealed structural deficiencies.
The project is supported by substantial federal funding, with Governor McKee announcing $220.9 million allocated from federal resources, thanks to the efforts of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation. This funding, which was initially secured in October 2024, faced delays attributed to a backlog of grants.
Since 2016, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has made considerable strides in infrastructure improvement through the RhodeWorks program. Despite these advancements, recent polls indicate a decline in Governor McKee’s approval rating, now at 25%, as skepticism regarding the Washington Bridge project’s timeline and budget persists. A significant 80% of respondents expressed doubts about the project finishing on time and within the estimated costs.
The ongoing closure of the Washington Bridge has created considerable traffic disruptions, impacting local businesses and the daily commutes of numerous residents. Walsh Construction is no stranger to major infrastructure projects, as the company has successfully managed several bridge projects in the past years.
Ultimately, the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge is poised to be a pivotal development for Rhode Island, promising to enhance transportation efficiency and safety for the community in the long term.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: Bad Polling Continues to Dog McKee
- Engineering News-Record: Walsh/WSP Win $339M Rhode Island Bridge Job
- Providence Journal: New I-195 Washington Bridge Will Be Ready in 2028
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Turn to 10: Rhode Island to Announce Company for Washington Bridge
- Google Search: Washington Bridge Rhode Island
