Colleen Palombo, a Rhode Island woman, speaks out about her car being damaged by concrete from the Washington Bridge in June, expressing concern that it was a warning sign after the bridge was abruptly closed this week due to safety concerns. Palombo had filed a claim with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) but never heard back from them. She finds it hard to believe that the bridge was deemed safe one month after it damaged her car and emphasizes the need for ensuring the safety of the bridge.
The repairs to the westbound side of the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island have been plagued by delays and legal battles. Despite the urgent need for repairs, multiple lawsuits, including one from a developer, have caused significant setbacks. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) initially awarded the contract to Cardi Corp., but the Federal Highway Administration rejected the decision, citing concerns about Cardi's feasibility. Cardi filed its own lawsuit, but the court ruled in favor of RIDOT. Eventually, Barletta/Aetna was awarded the contract, and the repairs are expected to be completed by August 2026.
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.
