Demolition resumes on Washington Bridge, new procurement process announced

Rhode Island authorities received zero bids for a US$78 million project to rebuild the Washington Bridge in Providence. (PHOTO: Adobe Stock/Wangkun Jia)

Crews are currently working on shoring towers on the East Providence side of the bridge, with more disruptive nighttime demolition set to begin after a public meeting scheduled for October 17.

Governor McKee emphasised the importance of progressing with the project efficiently. “My priority is to make sure we’re doing everything we can to get a new bridge built as soon as we can — all while keeping Rhode Islanders safe,” he said.

In addition, the demolition of the bridge’s substructure, initially planned as part of the reconstruction phase, has been moved forward to February 2025.

This will now be completed under the current demolition contract, which is expected to save time and costs by eliminating the need for additional bidding and remobilisation.

A new two-step procurement process for the bridge’s reconstruction was also launched today. The process begins with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which will result in a shortlist of two design-build companies.

The shortlisted firms will then move to the next stage, where they will submit technical and cost proposals. The final award is expected to be made by June 2025.

In an effort to encourage companies to participate, RIDOT is offering a $1.75 million stipend to the unsuccessful shortlisted firm to help cover the costs associated with developing their proposal. The new procurement approach aims to attract qualified bidders while minimising risks for both the state and contractors.

This latest news comes just months after Rhode Island began legal action against 13 design, construction, inspection and contracting companies, claiming that they failed to identify structural issues on the Washington Bridge before it was forced into a sudden closure in December 2023, and slated for demolition soon after.

US State of Rhode Island suing 13 companies over bridge closure Rhode Island is suing 13 companies over the closure of the Washington Bridge

Just one bid submitted for US$779 million bridge replacement project Why Skanska USA joint venture was the only bidder for one of the biggest projects in Rhode Island’s history