Washington Bridge May Require Complete Rebuild
State transportation officials are assessing the full extent of structural deficiencies, with all repair options, including a total demolition and rebuild, under consideration.
- Rhode Island's Washington Bridge, a key gateway to Providence, may need to be completely demolished and rebuilt due to severe structural deficiencies.
- The bridge, which carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily, was partially shut down last month, causing significant traffic disruptions.
- State transportation officials are currently assessing the full condition of the bridge to determine the necessary scope of work, which could range from extensive repairs to a complete rebuild.
- Testing of tension rods has begun, including forensic and chemical analysis, to understand the extent of the bridge's structural failure.
- Despite the uncertainty, current construction on the bridge will continue, as the features being put in place will be useful regardless of the final course of action.
Associated Press 
Boston Globe 
