Tag

Washington Bridge

All articles tagged with #washington bridge

infrastructure1 year ago

Rhode Island Selects Finalists for Washington Bridge Rebuild Amid Ongoing Closure Impact

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.

transportation1 year ago

Washington Bridge Traffic Updates: Navigating Challenging Commutes

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened a third eastbound lane on the Washington Bridge, causing delays during the morning commute. The completion of the third lane required adjustments to the speed limit and truck lanes, with further changes planned for the westbound lanes. Safety measures, including increased police and tow truck presence, are being implemented to address the recent increase in crashes on the bridge.

infrastructure1 year ago

"Governor McKee's Legal Team Announcement and Washington Bridge Forensic Analysis Delay Explained"

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.

infrastructure1 year ago

"Challenges and Impacts of Washington Bridge Issues on Businesses and Infrastructure"

Inspection reports spanning from 2014 to 2023 reveal that the Washington Bridge has faced accessibility challenges, including pigeon debris and design limitations, hindering thorough examinations despite issues such as rusting and cracking. The bridge was rated in poor condition but deemed safe until broken rods were discovered in December, prompting its shutdown and impending demolition. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and state leaders have expressed concerns about the inspection process, with an independent audit underway to investigate further.

politics1 year ago

"Transportation Secretary Buttigieg's Tour of Washington Bridge Highlights National Bridge Crisis"

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed the Biden administration's concern over the closure of the westbound Washington Bridge, emphasizing the national attention and the urgency to replace it swiftly. Buttigieg's visit to Rhode Island included a bridge tour, during which he discussed federal funding availability and the need to address the bridge issue promptly.

politics1 year ago

"Washington Bridge Debacle: Top Officials' Private Texts and Small Businesses' Struggles"

Rhode Island officials have provided thousands of documents to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the westbound Washington Bridge, revealing text conversations between high-ranking state officials, including Gov. Dan McKee and R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, as they scrambled to respond to the bridge's closure due to safety issues. The DOJ is investigating whether federal funds were misused, and the state is hopeful for federal funding to aid in the bridge's reconstruction.

infrastructure1 year ago

"Urgent Replacement: The Complex Case of New England's Washington Bridge"

Rhode Island's Governor announced that the Washington Bridge, a critical gateway to Providence, will need to be demolished and replaced due to additional structural deficiencies. The new bridge is expected to be completed between March and September of 2026, with an estimated cost of $250-300 million. The sudden closure in December caused significant traffic disruptions, and state officials are investigating the circumstances leading to the bridge's deterioration. The bridge carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily and was rated as "poor" in the Federal Highway Administration's National Bridge Inventory.

transportation1 year ago

"Washington Bridge Replacement: A 30-Year Traffic Nightmare Ends"

The Washington Bridge, carrying I-195 between Providence and East Providence, has been plagued by construction and traffic issues for the past 30 years. The westbound bridge, which unexpectedly closed in December, now needs to be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of up to $300 million, with construction expected to continue into 2026. State officials have faced criticism over the situation, and motorists are bracing for years of traffic jams as the project unfolds.

infrastructure1 year ago

"Rhode Island Governor to Announce Rebuilding Plans for Washington Bridge"

Rhode Island officials are set to announce the need to rebuild the westbound Washington Bridge, which was abruptly closed in December due to critical failures. The construction of the new bridge could take approximately two years with estimated costs of $250 million to $300 million, and hopes for federal funding. The closure has caused significant disruptions, and the state is currently working on adding a lane in both directions on the eastbound side of the bridge to alleviate traffic.

infrastructure1 year ago

"Rhode Island Officials to Reveal Washington Bridge Decision and Funding Plans"

Rhode Island officials are set to announce the decision regarding the fate of the westbound Washington Bridge, which was abruptly closed in December due to critical failures. The governor will discuss the findings of engineering reports at a news conference, with indications pointing towards the potential need for a complete tear down and rebuild. The bridge is a crucial part of I-195, and if replacement is necessary, it could take up to two years to complete. RIDOT is working on updating the eastbound side to mitigate congestion.

infrastructure1 year ago

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.

transportation1 year ago

"Rhode Island Officials Unveil New Traffic Plan for Washington Bridge"

Gov. Dan McKee and RIDOT will announce a new traffic pattern for the indefinitely closed westbound side of the Washington Bridge to alleviate daily traffic congestion, impacting businesses in East Providence and Providence since the closure in December. The closure, originally planned for three months, was prompted by an engineer's discovery of a severe problem in July. RIDOT had introduced a temporary traffic pattern in February and will revise it as needed. The announcement will be made at a briefing at 1:30 p.m. and livestreamed on TurnTo10.com.

engineeringinfrastructure1 year ago

Mystery Surrounds Washington Bridge Closure: New Details and Long-Term Issues Emerge

Andrew Prezioso, a structural engineer working for VHB, discovered critical issues with the Washington Bridge and alerted the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. Despite his crucial role, his identity has been kept confidential by RIDOT. VHB, the lead designer for the bridge reconstruction, is now facing scrutiny as officials consider the possibility of a complete rebuild for the bridge.

politics1 year ago

"Uncovering the Impact: Washington Bridge Issues from 2018 to Shutdown"

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee urges a comprehensive review of the issues surrounding the Washington Bridge, emphasizing that problems date back to 2018. The bridge's closure has caused significant traffic disruptions and led to federal investigations into the use of funds. Criticism has been directed at McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, with concerns raised about the leadership and handling of the bridge debacle. Multiple lawsuits and delays have surrounded the bridge project, and the governor is now taking steps to address the situation, including dispatching senior staff to deal with the issues directly.