State House to determine monthly Washington Bridge reports Thursday

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has now posted two separate requests for proposals for the Washington Bridge.

Last week, the first bid posted by RIDDOT was to demolish the bridge.  Yesterday, RIDOT posted a bid to to replace to bridge. 

The demolition process is divided into four parts: the Gano Street ramp, west end of the bridge, east cantilever spans, and east end of the structure.

In the posted bid requirements Tuesday, RIDOT is asking for the design to include five lanes of travel over the new bridge, a new ramp on Gano Street, and new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.

$3 million is available to the selected design-build team for early completion for the demolition of the westbound side of the bridge. Whoever is awarded the bid could face up to $3 million in disincentives if it exceeds the end dates. The competition of the full demolition is set for March of 2025. Bidding closes for demolition on June 21, but the award of the bid will be decided on June 28.

For the design of the bridge, the company that that is chosen is eligible for bonuses up to $70,000 per day for early completion, and penalties for being late. Bidding closes on July 3. RIDOT said bids will be awarded that month, and completion of the bridge would be expected between March and September of 2026.

Today, a final vote at the State House will determine if RIDOT will have to send monthly updates to the General Assembly and Governor Dan McKee’s office. Paving from South Main Street to Broadway on the bridge is expected to wrap up tonight.