What does RIDOT say about the Washington Bridge demolition?

In response to our inquiry to the RI Department of Transportation, this statement has been received – along with images of demolition.

“What is shown in the video [circulating on social media] is planned, controlled demolition conducted in accordance with approved demolition plans. RIDOT has experts in structural engineering and demolition overseeing this project.

RIDOT visited the site over the weekend and reviewed the pre-approved plans (see attached) and determined that the contractor executed that plan precisely and in safe and controlled manner.

The barges – which have been used to catch demolition debris throughout this project – were positioned, according to the plan, under that section of bridge and outfitted with timber and mats to cushion the falling debris. A small amount of debris entered the water.

RIDOT has been coordinating with CRMC, verifying that was to be expected and that debris will be removed from the water. And at no time was this demolition a danger to the eastbound bridge. The demolition was a minimum of 150 feet away from that bridge.

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Early on Monday, Peter Alviti, Director of the RIDOT also did a radio interview with Gene Valicenti on WPRO:

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On the RIDOT website there is a summary of work scheduled for last night and the night before and what is ahead:

Weather permitting, on Sunday and Monday nights, February 2 and 3, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., lane closures are possible for overnight barrier placement. Motorists should anticipate a single lane closure on I-195 West, from Gano Street to the India Point Park Pedestrian Bridge, and up to two lanes closed on I-195 East, just east of the Purchase Street Bridge.

Motorists also can expect short-term intermittent lane closures on I-195 West over the Washington Bridge between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. on Sunday and Monday nights, February 2 and 3, associated with ongoing demolition of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. We will also close up to two travel lanes on I-195, from Exit 1D to Exit 1A, on Tuesday night, February 4 (westbound) and Thursday night, February 6 (eastbound), from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for ongoing routine maintenance.

Starting Sunday night, February 2, motorists can anticipate up to two lanes of travel closed on both I-195 East and I-195 West before and after the Providence River Bridge for bridge preservation work, Sunday-Thursday nights, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., through Sunday night, March 2.

Upcoming work includes overnight right and center lane closures on I-195 East on the Washington Bridge, Tuesday-Thursday nights, February 18-20, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., for installation of electrical cables for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system cabinets.

Other activities, including bridge demolition proceeding from barges, and electrical work taking place under the bridge, do not require any lane closures.