The new bridge will replace a 1968-built one closed in 2023
In December 2023, RIDOT abruptly closed the bridge’s westbound span after engineers discovered several severed bracing pins during a scheduled rehabilitation project that began in October 2021. RIDOT warned that leaving the span open risked “catastrophic failure.” Following this, the bridge was declared beyond repair, prompting plans for a complete replacement.
Walsh Construction, a company with extensive experience in bridge projects, will begin site preparation, material procurement, and workforce mobilization in July 2025. While the core bid stands at $339 million, RIDOT has allocated an additional $88 million for inspections, contingencies, and possible incentives, setting the potential total project cost at $427 million.
Walsh has committed to completing the new bridge by November 2028. However, incentives of up to $10 million are available if the company opens lanes ahead of schedule. Conversely, delays beyond the agreed timeline will incur penalties of $25,000 per day.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee welcomed the project announcement, stating: “With a world-class construction company hired, a project cost that is well within our budgeted funds, and a project timeline that is driven by industry expertise, we’re positioned to deliver a bridge that will truly outlast our lifetimes.”
The new structure will be built on a completely new substructure and designed for a lifespan of 100 years. It will also be more accessible for inspection and easier to maintain. Walsh’s plan includes expanding the number of lanes from four to five, along with constructing a new on-ramp from Gano Street and an off-ramp to Waterfront Drive. Notably, the redesigned bridge will be approximately 450 feet shorter than the original, which allows for fewer piers in the river—an improvement that could benefit environmental and navigational conditions.
The demolition of the existing bridge is already in progress and is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. Demolition of the underwater foundation is scheduled to begin in July.
The Washington Bridge replacement project marks a significant step toward modernizing Rhode Island’s infrastructure, aiming to improve traffic flow and ensure long-term safety for commuters.
