PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee has officially announced that Rhode Island and the federal government have formalized an agreement securing $220.9 million in Mega-INFRA grants for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge. This crucial agreement ensures that funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is firmly in place, allowing the state to continue pre-construction work for the project.
“With this signing, the $220 million in federal grant funding for the new Washington Bridge has been assured,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This is another sign of continued progress in our work to build a modern, soundly constructed Washington Bridge that will outlast our lifetimes. I want to thank our congressional delegation for their continued support in securing this funding.”
Steady Progress Toward a New Bridge
Since the March 14, 2024, determination that repairing the existing Washington Bridge was not feasible, Rhode Island has moved swiftly to construct a new span. Just over a year later, significant milestones have been achieved:
- Two highly regarded engineering and construction firms are actively competing in a bid process for the bridge's design and construction.
- The superstructure of the deteriorated bridge has been safely demolished, and efforts are now focused on removing the substructure.
- Traffic volume in the affected area has returned to pre-closure levels.
- Millions of dollars in grants were distributed to local businesses affected by the bridge closure to mitigate economic hardship.
- The state successfully secured substantial federal funding, including a $125.4 million MEGA grant and a $95.5 million INFRA grant, ensuring financial stability for the project.
- Additional financial security was provided through the state’s adoption of a "belt and suspenders" approach, incorporating millions in Garvee bonds to support any unforeseen funding needs.
- The Governor’s Office has taken legal action to hold responsible parties accountable for the bridge’s failure.
Federal Leaders Weigh In on Project's Importance
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, which played a key role in securing these federal grants, emphasized the importance of the Washington Bridge project for the community and regional infrastructure.
“Everyone recognizes the importance of this project to the community and the need for safe, modern, and resilient infrastructure. This federal money is vital to completing this massive project that is already underway. This is a positive outcome, and I hope the state will accelerate progress toward a new bridge that meets capacity and safety needs now and in the future,” said Senator Jack Reed. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy’s and Governor McKee’s contributions to this process and will continue working with them, RIDOT, FHWA, and other transportation officials to see the project through and ensure it is done right.”
“Working across the aisle with Chair Capito and in partnership with our delegation, I was glad to help unstick this funding for the Washington Bridge replacement as Wednesday’s committee hearing for the Secretary loomed,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This relieves needless uncertainty in an urgent situation with this bridge, and I will continue to do everything in my power to secure what Rhode Island needs from the federal government and to keep investing in our infrastructure.”
"With Rhode Islanders crossing the Washington Bridge every day, releasing federal funding for this project has been a top priority of mine, and I understand how urgently Rhode Islanders need this project finished,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “This first $30 million in federal funding being released is a critical step toward getting traffic moving again and reducing the burden that the bridge’s closure has had on local families and businesses. I’ll keep working with the delegation and local leaders to make sure the rest of the federal funding gets delivered as promised.”
“As we work to ensure that federally-appropriated funds are rightfully deposited into our state accounts, I’m pleased RIDOT signed a grant agreement to deliver $30 million in funding for the Washington Bridge,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “These resources will bring us closer to the day when a new westbound span is built, alleviating the burden that residents, commuters, and businesses have had to experience for over a year. I look forward to continuing to work with my delegation colleagues to ensure there are no further delays in obtaining the funds that Rhode Island deserves.”
Looking Ahead
The Washington Bridge project remains a top infrastructure priority for the state, with officials aiming to expedite construction while maintaining the highest safety and engineering standards. Governor McKee and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are committed to seeing the project through to completion, ensuring that residents, commuters, and businesses benefit from a modern, reliable bridge for generations to come.
As funding continues to flow, Rhode Islanders can expect to see more visible progress on-site, with demolition, planning, and construction activities ramping up in the coming months. The state remains committed to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the process, with regular updates on project milestones and timelines.
Originally reported by State of Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee.