The US state of Rhode Island has awarded a $339m contract to Walsh Construction Company to replace the ageing I-95 Washington Bridge in Providence, a move that is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
The bridge, which was completed in 1968, is one of Rhode Island’s busiest traffic arteries, carrying approximately 96,000 vehicles per day. However, it has been plagued by structural issues, and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) was forced to close the westbound span in December 2023 after engineers discovered that several bracing pins had been severed. According to RIDOT, the bridge was at risk of “catastrophic failure” if it remained open.
As reported by Global Construction Review, the decision was made to demolish the bridge and replace it with a new one. Walsh Construction Company was selected as the contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed by November 2028. The company will receive incentives of up to $10m if the project is completed ahead of schedule, while penalties of $25,000 per day will be imposed if the project goes over the deadline.
The new bridge will be designed to last 100 years and will feature several improvements over the existing structure. According to Global Construction Review, the bridge will have five lanes, increased from four, and will include a new on-ramp from Gano Street and an off-ramp to Waterfront Drive. The bridge’s footprint will also be reduced by 450 feet, requiring fewer piers in the river.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee welcomed the news, stating that the project would “deliver a bridge that will truly outlast our lifetimes.” He added that the state was “positioned to deliver a bridge that will be a world-class construction project, with a project cost that is well within our budgeted funds, and a project timeline that is driven by industry expertise.”
The demolition of the existing bridge is currently underway, with the underwater foundation demolition scheduled to begin in July. According to Global Construction Review, the project is on track for completion by the end of the year. The new bridge will be built on an entirely new substructure, and its design will make it easier to inspect and maintain.
The project has a potential total cost of $427m, including “soft costs for inspections and potential incentives and contingencies,” according to Global Construction Review. The state is investing heavily in the project, which is expected to have a significant impact on the local community. As noted by the publication, Walsh Construction Company will begin surveying the site, ordering materials, and mobilising workers next month.
