Controlled demolition of Washington Bridge to continue Saturday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said that controlled demolition of the Washington Bridge will continue on Feb. 15.

RIDOT said spans of the old Gano Street off-ramp will being demolished.

The department added that barges will be placed below the bridge to capture the debris, and the barge will then be moved into position for future controlled demolitions.

“RIDOT remains in close coordination with the Coastal Resources Management Council, which has jurisdiction over these waters and examined the site at our request,” the department said. “A small amount of debris may enter the water, and if that occurs, RIDOT will remove it promptly.”

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti appeared at a joint Oversight Committee meeting on Feb. 13 to answer questions on the demolition.