Fact-Checking the Bridge Crisis: Maintenance Delays, Official Warnings, and Reality

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Q1: Why did state leaders keep the Washington Bridge forensic audit secret for over a year?
Governor Dan McKee and state attorneys defended the non-disclosure by claiming public release would harm the state’s legal claims against contractors. Independent legal experts and transparency advocates challenged this stance, arguing that structural audits regarding public safety should be released without delay.

Q2: Could the sudden shutdown of Interstate 195 have been prevented?
Yes. The forensic investigation showed that tie-rod degradation and shear weaknesses were flagged across inspection reports for several years prior to December 2023. Had RIDOT performed non-destructive stress testing and addressed those warnings directly, the need for an abrupt emergency closure could have been avoided.

Q3: How much will the Washington Bridge replacement cost, and what is the timeline?
Demolition and total replacement costs are projected to surpass $400 million, funded by a combination of state capital borrowing and federal infrastructure grants. Initial construction timelines anticipate substantial completion extending through 2026 and into 2027.