The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has released new video footage detailing early preparations for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, offering a closer look at the groundwork underway before major construction begins.
The footage shows crews on-site relocating underground infrastructure and staging heavy equipment as the state prepares for one of Rhode Island’s most closely watched infrastructure projects.
According to RIDOT, workers are currently moving water and sewer lines to clear the way for the new bridge structure. Relocating utilities is a critical early phase of large-scale transportation projects, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted while structural work progresses.
Excavators and other heavy machinery can be seen operating at the demolition site, where the previous span once stood. The bridge was fully demolished in December following its abrupt shutdown two years ago over safety concerns.
The closure disrupted thousands of daily commuters and significantly impacted travel between East Providence and Providence, prompting state leaders to accelerate plans for a full rebuild rather than pursue short-term repairs.
The Washington Bridge was unexpectedly shut down after structural deficiencies raised urgent safety alarms. Shortly afterward, Gov. Dan McKee announced that the aging structure would be demolished and replaced entirely.
The decision marked a turning point for the project, transforming it from an emergency stabilization effort into a multi-year reconstruction initiative.
Officials say the newly constructed westbound span is scheduled to open in November 2028. The long timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the undertaking, which includes structural engineering, environmental coordination, traffic management and continued public safety oversight.
The Washington Bridge corridor is a vital artery for Rhode Island’s transportation network, carrying significant commuter and commercial traffic across the Seekonk River. Its closure underscored the vulnerability of aging infrastructure across the region.
RIDOT officials have emphasized that the rebuild will not only restore capacity but also modernize the bridge to meet current safety and engineering standards. Updated design features are expected to improve structural resilience and extend the bridge’s lifespan for decades.
In the meantime, traffic patterns remain adjusted as construction advances. State transportation planners continue to monitor congestion and coordinate detour routes to minimize disruptions during the rebuilding phase.
As utility work progresses and foundation preparations begin, RIDOT says additional construction milestones will be shared with the public in the coming months.
Originally reported by ALEXIS ROSSI, NBC 10 NEWS in Turn Into 10.
