Construction activities underway for the Washington Bridge rebuild, with modern designs aiming to improve traffic flow.
Governor Dan McKee has announced that Walsh Construction Company will lead the $339 million rebuild of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge in Providence. Construction is set for completion by November 2028, following a closure due to safety concerns. The overall project cost is projected to reach $570 million, funded by state allocations and federal grants. The new bridge design will improve traffic flow and reduce environmental impact with updated structural features.
Rhode Island – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced on Friday that Walsh Construction Company has been selected to rebuild the westbound side of the Washington Bridge in Providence. The entire construction project is targeted for completion by November 2028.
The westbound bridge has been closed since December 11, 2023, due to significant safety concerns stemming from extensive structural deterioration discovered during a repair assessment. This closure has posed challenges for the commuters and residents who rely on this critical transportation route.
Walsh Construction Company, which was one of two firms chosen last December to compete for this rebuild project, has received a contract valued at $339 million. However, total costs for the project could potentially rise to $427 million due to various incentives and contingencies. The state has allocated $713 million for the Washington Bridge project, which aligns with the anticipated costs.
Initially, the project was estimated to cost between $250 million and $300 million, with hopes to complete it by 2026. However, no bids were received during that timeframe, prompting a reevaluation of the project scope and timelines.
Governor McKee acknowledged the adverse impacts the bridge’s closure has had on those relying on it, affirming its significance as a crucial artery in Rhode Island’s transportation system. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director, Peter Alviti, noted that another bid also projected a similar timeline for the project’s completion.
An incentive of $10 million will be offered to Walsh Construction if the bridge is finished before the scheduled date. Conversely, daily penalties of $25,000 will be imposed if the construction extends beyond November 2028.
Walsh Construction has been recognized as a leading bridge builder in the country. The new design for the Washington Bridge will feature fewer in-water piers, which aims to reduce the environmental impact. The upgraded structure will also accommodate up to 80,000 vehicles daily, facilitating better traffic flow in the region.
The construction approach proposed by Walsh is comparable to that used in the recent development of the Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi River, indicating a commitment to innovative engineering solutions.
Funding for the bridge involves up to $334.6 million in GARVEE bonds along with two federal infrastructure grants totaling $221 million. The overall funding secured for the project exceeds $713 million, which includes federal pandemic relief aid and other financing resources.
The Washington Bridge project will also implement measures designed to alleviate congestion along the I-195 corridor. These measures include reconfigured travel lanes and bridge widenings, integral for meeting the needs of daily commuters and improving overall traffic conditions.
Currently, the existing 25-year-old eastbound span of the bridge is managing two-way traffic while receiving upgrades, which involve additional monitoring equipment to ensure safety and functionality during the construction period.
The total project cost, encompassing demolition, repairs, and rebuilding efforts, is projected to reach $570 million. The rebuilding of the Washington Bridge is essential for enhancing traffic flow and ensuring the long-term structural integrity of this vital transportation route in Rhode Island.
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