Rhode Island Allocates $221 Million for Revitalization of the Washington Bridge

The U.S. Department of Transportation has just greenlit a hefty $221 million federal grant aimed at revamping Rhode Island’s Washington Bridge, finally kicking off a project that had been stuck in limbo for far too long.This week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy put pen to paper on the agreement,highlighting it as part of the Trump Governance’s initiative to tackle a staggering backlog of over 3,000 grants that were approved but never acted upon.

Duffy remarked, “Upon taking office, we uncovered an extraordinary pile-up of unprocessed grants from the previous administration. This backlog hindered essential infrastructure projects from getting off the ground and receiving funding. We’re cutting through this bureaucratic mess and focusing on what truly matters—delivering results.” He expressed excitement about allocating $221 million for the Washington bridge project—a vital route used by thousands daily.

the westbound section of this bridge has been out of commission since December 2023 due to significant structural issues discovered during construction work. Engineers identified crumbling concrete girders and broken tie rods among other safety concerns, leading state officials to conclude that a complete replacement was necessary.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee shared his enthusiasm: “this marks another step forward in our mission to construct a modern Washington Bridge that will stand strong for generations.” He also extended gratitude towards their congressional representatives for their unwavering support in securing these funds.

During a recent Senate hearing,Senator Sheldon Whitehouse took time to express appreciation toward both Duffy and Senator Shelley Moore Capito—the Republican chair overseeing Habitat and Public Works—for facilitating this funding process. “Secretary Duffy,” he said with sincerity, “I want you to know how much we value your team’s efforts in delivering various discretionary grants recently—including those earmarked for our beloved Washington Bridge.”

This bridge serves as an essential link between Providence and southeastern Massachusetts communities extending all the way to Cape Cod. Originally constructed in 1969 with five lanes accommodating heavy traffic flow, it connects several major highways like I-95 and I-295—making its restoration crucial not just locally but regionally as well.

while Rhode Island gears up for this significant infrastructure upgrade with federal backing at last, it’s clear that collaboration across political lines is key when it comes to revitalizing critical transportation links like the Washington Bridge!