Federal Funding Secured for Washington Bridge Reconstruction

News Summary

Rhode Island has secured $220.9 million in federal funding to reconstruct the Washington Bridge, which recently closed its westbound lane due to severe structural issues. The funding will assist with essential repairs and help alleviate the impact on local businesses and commuters. The reconstruction process aims to minimize disruption while restoring vital traffic connections between Providence and East Providence. A completion date for the demolition is set for December 2025, with hopes that the new bridge will be operational by early 2026.

Providence, Rhode Island – Federal Funding Secured for Washington Bridge Reconstruction

The state of Rhode Island has secured $220.9 million in federal funding for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, which has faced severe structural issues leading to the closure of its westbound lane. This brings significant relief to commuters and businesses affected by the bridge’s closure, following the discovery of critical problems during a 2023 inspection.

The westbound lane, previously used by approximately 100,000 vehicles daily, was closed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) in December 2023 due to safety concerns. The closure has resulted in notable disruptions in traffic patterns and daily life for residents in the East Bay area, prompting a decline in revenue for local businesses.

To assist with the reconstruction, Aetna Bridge Company has appointed Jacobs as the primary designer. Jacobs is tasked with developing a phasing plan for the demolition of the westbound bridge span and ensuring that it facilitates the restoration of vital traffic connections between Providence and East Providence on Interstate 195. This approach aims to minimize disruption for commuters and protect the environmental integrity of the Seekonk River, preventing debris from entering the waterway.

The completion of the demolition is slated for December 2025, with the timeline for the overall reconstruction expected to be clarified after a contractor is selected by June 6, 2025. There is potential for the new westbound bridge to be operational by early 2026.

Funding and Financial Assistance

Governor Dan McKee announced in March 2025 that the state had successfully navigated a federal funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, allowing access to the first $30 million of the total funds as of March 27, 2025. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized that prior backlog issues in funding had delayed project progress, making this financial assistance crucial for timely reconstruction.

Community Impact and Business Concerns

Local businesses in East Providence have reported a significant decline in revenue due to the bridge’s closure, prompting the city to offer grants to affected enterprises. One such business, Frog & Toad, received a $2,500 grant, though it was insufficient to cover all incurred losses. These financial support measures highlight the challenges local businesses face during the ongoing construction and reconstruction phase.

Background and Ongoing Issues

The Washington Bridge, built in 1968, has been under scrutiny due to identified issues with its significant structural components. The state has filed lawsuits against 13 companies linked to the bridge’s inspection and maintenance history, alleging negligence in identifying these critical issues. This has raised concerns about transparency and oversight within infrastructure management.

RIDOT’s ongoing RhodeWorks initiative, designed to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure over ten years, has already led to the repair or rebuilding of numerous bridges and extensive road paving throughout Rhode Island. However, public frustration remains regarding the transparency of the Washington Bridge project and the extended timeline for its resolution.

The commitment to reconnecting the East Bay area to the capital city, as emphasized by Jacobs’ executive vice president, is pivotal for improving the overall travel experience for commuters. As plans progress, the community continues to remain hopeful for a swift and efficient resolution, restoring normalcy to traffic flows and supporting local businesses affected by the bridge closure.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• World Construction Network: Jacobs Bridge Project in Rhode Island
• Brown Daily Herald: Rhode Island Secures Federal Funding for Washington Bridge Repairs
• WPRI: RI Secures $220M in Federal Funding for Washington Bridge Rebuild
• Providence Journal: How Long Can RI Wait for Frozen Washington Bridge Grants?
• Turn to 10: The Washington Bridge Closure’s Ongoing Impact