Washington Bridge Replacement Project Open For Construction Bidders

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened the bidding process for construction firms to design and build the replacement for the Washington Bridge.

The Washington Bridge, which connects Providence and East Providence over Interstate 195, has been out of service on the westbound side since it abruptly closed in December following a "critical failure." On Dec. 8, 2023, one week before the bridge was abruptly closed down, an engineer with a private firm working on its repairs sent a series of photos and notes explaining that multiple rods that were part of the bridge's original construction were fully exposed and failing.

Interested bidders can apply for the project by accessing the request for proposal (RFP) online.

The RFP encourages the use of accelerated bridge construction methods to replace the bridge and open travel lanes to the public as quickly as possible. It includes requirements such as carrying five through lanes over the bridge and constructing a new on-ramp to I-195 westbound from Gano Street and an off-ramp from I-195 westbound to Waterfront Drive. The project also includes paving, repair and replacement of drainage structures, and removal of the crossover traffic pattern as lanes are built and opened on the new bridge.

Final proposals to the RFP are due July 3. State officials said the project is scheduled to be awarded by July. State officials expect to have the project completed by August 2026

More details about the Washington Bridge RFP process can be found here.

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