The McKee administration in Rhode Island is taking another shot at rebuilding the westbound Washington Bridge, which has been closed for nearly a year. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) issued a new request for proposals (RFP) on December 18, 2024, after an earlier round failed to attract bidders.
Challenges Behind the First Round of Bidding
The original plan to rebuild the Washington Bridge, which spans the Seekonk River on Interstate 195, hit a roadblock this past summer. The state had issued its first RFP in spring 2024, but the process drew little interest from contractors. By the July deadline, no bids had been submitted, leaving the state scrambling.
Governor Dan McKee acknowledged that the initial approach might have been too ambitious, especially given the risks involved in working on the aging structure. The broken anchor rods discovered last December, which led to the bridge’s closure, made the project a risky proposition. Experts raised concerns over the feasibility of rebuilding the bridge using the original pilings and beams, which were now considered to be in questionable condition.
“We got feedback that made it clear we needed to reassess the timeline and structure of the bid,” McKee explained. The original deadline of August 2026, while achievable in theory, was deemed overly aggressive by potential bidders who feared being unable to meet it. The state listened, adjusted the RFP, and started over with a new strategy.
The New Process: More Insight, More Flexibility
The second round of bidding comes after months of consultation with bridge experts and potential contractors. “We’ve gained valuable insight,” said Peter Alviti, Director of RIDOT, at a State House press conference. The department used this feedback to create a more realistic proposal, one that takes into account the challenges posed by the bridge’s aging infrastructure.
This time, the state narrowed the pool of potential bidders down to two finalists: Chicago-based Walsh Construction Company and a joint partnership between American Bridge Co. and MLJ Contracting Corporation, based in Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. These two companies will now have the opportunity to weigh in on the final details of the RFP before its issuance in late January 2025.
By giving the finalists a chance to provide feedback and suggest changes, the McKee administration hopes to smooth over any remaining concerns and ensure that the rebuild happens without further delays. A more collaborative process, they hope, will lead to a more successful outcome.
What’s at Stake for Rhode Island
The rebuild of the Washington Bridge is no small feat. Not only is the bridge a critical piece of infrastructure for both Rhode Island and Massachusetts commuters, but its closure has caused significant disruptions. With work expected to stretch over several years, the state is under pressure to get it right this time around.
As part of the new RFP, RIDOT is offering up to $10 million in incentives for contractors who can meet or beat the agreed-upon schedule for opening lanes to traffic. The incentive program will provide daily bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $70,000, depending on the speed with which the work is completed. This should help motivate contractors to meet the tight deadlines, which remain a priority for the state.
The scope of the project remains largely unchanged from the first attempt. The state plans to build a five-lane bridge, complete with an onramp from Gano Street in Providence and an off-ramp to Waterfront Drive in East Providence. The overall project is expected to improve traffic flow for commuters traveling through the region.
Despite the setbacks, McKee remains optimistic. “No one likes to go back to the drawing board, but we’ve gained important insights and now have a clearer path forward,” he said.
Road to Completion: What’s Next for Rhode Island
The bidding process is expected to wrap up in late January 2025, when the final RFP will be issued. After that, the state will move forward with selecting a contractor, which could take several months. McKee has said he remains hopeful that the project will be completed according to the new timeline, even if that timeline is adjusted from the original expectations.
While Rhode Islanders are still facing significant disruptions from the bridge closure, the McKee administration’s effort to reset and rework the bidding process is a sign that the state is committed to getting this project done right. With the support of experts and feedback from contractors, the state hopes to avoid another failed attempt.
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