Demo video shows large portion of Washington Bridge coming down

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A clip shared by East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva shows “A large chunk of bridge decking [coming] down as planned onto a collection barge.”

You can view the portion of the bridge coming down below.

In a statement, a RIDOT spokesperson said:

What is shown in the video is planned, controlled demolition conducted in accordance with approved demolition plans. RIDOT has experts in structural engineering and demolition overseeing this project. RIDOT visited the site over the weekend and reviewed the pre-approved plans and determined that the contractor executed that plan precisely and in s safe and controlled manner. The barges – which have been used to catch demolition debris throughout this project – were positioned, according to the plan, under that section of bridge and outfitted with timber and mats to cushion the falling debris. A small amount of debris entered the water. RIDOT has been coordinating with CRMC, verifying that was to be expected and that debris will be removed from the water. And at no time was this demolition a danger to the eastbound bridge. The demolition was a minimum of 150 feet away from that bridge.