Washington Bridge to Undergo Major Reconstruction for Additional Lanes

A draft report on the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island warns that major repairs or a full bridge replacement are necessary due to severe structural problems, with the risk of collapse if not addressed. The bridge, which opened in 1968, poses significant challenges for inspection, maintenance, and repair. The report suggests that the bridge's superstructure may need to be demolished and replaced, and warns of potential risks if the bridge were to fail. The state leaders are considering options to address the bridge's poor condition, with no estimates of the potential cost for replacement released yet.