PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Washington Bridge demolition contract could cost the state over $17 million more than initially estimated.
Aetna Bridge Co. was tentatively selected for the project by the McKee administration Friday over a bid from rival Manafort Brothers.
Aetna’s bid was for $45.7 million, not including up to $3 million in incentive payments if the work is finished early.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation had estimated the construction cost for the demolition of the condemned westbound bridge would be $31 million.
A review committee including RIDOT Director Peter Alviti chose the higher of the two bids submitted for the demo saying Aetna’s bid had the best value.
Manafort’s bid was for $43.8 million.
Aetna, however, said it would be able to demolish the bridge faster.
Aetna’s estimated completion date was Jan, 29, 2025, compared to Manafort’s March 7, 2025.
The Warwick-based company has worked on bridge projects across the state and was part of the Barletta-Aetna team given the emergency contract when the Washington Bridge was first shut down in December.
In a statement to NBC 10 News, a spokesperson for the company said, “Aetna Bridge Company is proud to be identified as the ‘apparent best value respondent’ by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation on the demolition of the Washington Bridge. With over 79 years of experience in bridge construction, repair, and demolition, our team is ready to get to work on this critical transportation infrastructure project for the State of Rhode Island.”
According to the Department of Administration, Aetna must now go through a “post-evaluation process to make ensure the entity has the capacity and necessary (e.g., insurance) to complete the project.”
The final award is also subject to approval from the Federal Highway Administration.
RIDOT expects to issue the notice to proceed by July 17.
Applications for rebuilding the bridge are due July 3 with RIDOT planning to issue a tentative award July 14.
A spokesperson said Aetna is allowed to bid on both projects.