Rhode Island has selected two finalists, Walsh Construction Company and a joint venture of American Bridge Company and MLJ Contracting, to compete for the contract to rebuild the Washington Bridge. This decision follows a revised procurement process after the initial bid attempt failed. The finalists will prepare detailed proposals, with a final selection expected by June 6. Governor Dan McKee acknowledged past missteps in handling the bridge's closure, while RIDOT Director Peter Alviti emphasized the importance of innovation and experience in the upcoming proposals.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is set to announce the legal team hired to pursue action related to the Washington Bridge failure, causing the westbound side to be closed. The release of the forensic audit report has been delayed as a result, with McKee stating that he will coordinate with the legal team on its release. Despite Attorney General Peter Neronha offering assistance, McKee declined, emphasizing the need to confirm the safety of the bridge. The Biden Administration has announced over $60 million in transit formula funding for Rhode Island, but it's unclear if any will directly benefit the Washington Bridge.
The U.S. Department of Justice and a federal inspector general’s office are investigating the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island, prompting Governor Dan McKee to instruct the Department of Transportation to fully cooperate. The closure, initially attributed to a structural failure, may now require complete reconstruction, and the governor has faced criticism for downplaying the impact on commuters. Attorney General Peter Neronha and State Rep. Jason Knight have both expressed support for the federal inquiry, aiming to swiftly uncover the cause of the bridge's issues.
Rhode Island officials are preparing for a storm and urging residents to be prepared for potential power outages that could last for days. Crews are on standby to address outages, and residents are advised to keep their phones and devices charged. Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of safety and patience, urging residents to stay inside during the storm and avoid going out until wind speeds calm down. The state is also monitoring problem areas for flooding and clearing drains.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee defended his administration's handling of the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the massive traffic disruptions. McKee stated that the closure was due to serious concerns flagged by an engineer, and the decision was made after intensive inspections and meetings. The governor has no plans to declare a state of emergency at this time but is exploring alternative solutions. The bridge is expected to take at least three months to repair, and efforts are being made to expedite the process. The closure is part of Rhode Island's ongoing efforts to address its deteriorating bridges.
