Washington Bridge In-Water Construction Begins

Washington Bridge new construction phase begins in-water

Crews began in-water construction on the new westbound bridge of the Washington Bridge.Governor Dan McKee, RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio, Walsh Construction Vice President Chuck Parish and East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva marked this new phase with a press conference.

The work now underway includes installation of the first of 32 drilled shafts that will form the foundation of the new bridge. Each shaft will extend roughly 130 feet down to bedrock, creating the support system for the bridge’s piers and abutments.

For months, much of the work on the project has taken place out of public view — including design, permitting, site surveys, material fabrication, demolition-related work, and equipment mobilization. Crews also established construction platforms in the river earlier this year to allow foundation work to begin.

“Today’s milestone demonstrates that this project continues to move forward,” said RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio. “Much of the work over the last several months has happened behind the scenes. Now Rhode Islanders will begin to see the bridge take shape as construction advances.”

Walsh Construction is leading the design and construction of the new westbound Washington Bridge. The replacement bridge will expand capacity from four travel lanes to five and will include a new Gano Street on-ramp and Waterfront Drive off-ramp, changes RIDOT says are intended to improve traffic flow.

The new bridge is being designed with easier inspection and maintenance in mind and is expected to have a 100-year design life. RIDOT says the design is nearly identical to the new I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge Walsh is constructing over the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis.

Contractors are using vibratory hammers for the foundation work, which officials say create less noise than traditional pile driving. Noise and vibration monitoring will be in place during construction.

“Right now, across the country, communities are replacing and modernizing aging infrastructure that was built generations ago to meet the evolving traffic and commerce needs of future generations,” said Chuck Parish, Vice President, New England Transportation and Water, Walsh Construction. “Today marks a meaningful step forward for Rhode Island and for everyone who relies on this corridor. Walsh is proud to be part of restoring this important connection.”

Once foundation work is completed, crews will move on to building the bridge piers and substructure that will support the deck. Fabrication of structural steel for the superstructure is already underway in Wisconsin, with deliveries to Rhode Island expected later this year.

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said the latest phase will give the public a clearer view of progress.

“While a lot of work has already gone into rebuilding the Washington Bridge from engineering, demolition, and securing the necessary permits, much of that progress has occurred out of public view,” DaSilva said. “This next phase of construction will bring our community excitement as they begin to see structures rise, giving a visual representation that this project is moving forward, bringing us another step closer toward new and improved commutes.”

Labor leaders also pointed to the jobs being created by the project.

“Our skilled members are excited to be working on this necessary project that will benefit the traveling public, the flow of goods and services, and create hundreds of family-supporting construction jobs,” said Donato A. Bianco, Jr., Vice President and New England Regional Manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America. “Over the past several years, the State of Rhode Island has invested in bridge and road repairs, as we no longer kick the can down the road. Infrastructure investment into projects like this and others around our state is critical to economic growth.”

RIDOT has also launched a dedicated Washington Bridge rebuild website with construction updates, milestones, videos, animations and other project information at www.washingtonbridgerebuild.com.

“This is a significant milestone for this project and for Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “After completing demolition, permitting, site preparation, and mobilization, in-water construction is now underway. My top priority has been keeping people safe while building a new bridge that will last for generations, and today represents meaningful progress toward that goal.”

Photo, top, from RIDOT simulation video