This is a picture of traffic on the Washington Bridge. (WLNE)
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Bids for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge are due today by 12 p.m.
The new build of the bridge includes the Gano Street off-ramp, adding an exit ramp to connect 1-195 westbound to Waterfront Drive in East Providence, construction of the bridge for traffic to be carried from Gano Street to 1-195 westbound.
It also includes restriping and restoration of the 1-195 eastbound and westbound mainline between Broadway in East Providence and South Main Street in Providence.
According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, these infrastructure improvements will be undertaken to fully replace the westbound 1-195 bridge and to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on 1-195 from the Massachusetts state line to the South Main Street exit.
The state is offering incentives, including $10 million per-day rate for opening lanes of traffic before August of 2026.
They are also offering up to $50,000 for second and third place bidders so more companies can submit proposals for bidding.
Aetna Bridge Co., was just recently awarded the bid to demolish the bridge.