Governor Announces Legal Action
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced on Friday that the state has filed a lawsuit against 13 companies involved in the design, construction, and inspection of the Washington Bridge. The lawsuit follows the partial shutdown of the bridge in December 2023 due to safety concerns, leading to significant disruptions and the eventual decision to demolish and replace the structure.
Bridge Closure and Structural Deficiencies
The Washington Bridge, a crucial connector on Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River between Providence and East Providence, was found to have severe structural deficiencies during an independent review. These deficiencies, which were not adequately identified or addressed by the companies involved, prompted Governor McKee in March to declare that the bridge would need to be completely demolished and rebuilt.
Lawsuit Seeks Accountability and Compensation
The lawsuit, filed by the state on Friday, aims to hold the 13 companies accountable for their role in the near-catastrophic failure of the bridge. It alleges that these companies failed to identify and report worsening structural issues in a timely manner, leading to the unexpected closure of the bridge. The state is seeking to recover the substantial resources required to rebuild the bridge and compensate for the economic impact caused by the closure.
Economic and Traffic Impact
State Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized the significant economic toll the bridge closure has taken on Rhode Island. “In the nearly nine months since the abrupt closure, our economy has borne an immense cost, and our state has and will continue to have to expend significant resources as a result,” Neronha stated.
The sudden closure of the westbound lanes in mid-December led to severe traffic disruptions, with commutes that typically took 40 to 45 minutes extending to several hours. The bridge, which carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily, caused widespread delays, forced some schools to close or switch to remote learning, and rerouted thousands of commuters.
