Joint oversight hearing: DOT says Washington Bridge demolition mostly complete, expects contractor award June 6

Chairwoman Patricia Serpa and Senate Chairman Mark McKinney opened a joint oversight hearing with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation on the demolition and reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, saying lawmakers would limit questions that could affect pending litigation.

Director Alvedi of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation told the joint House and Senate oversight committees that demolition of the westbound superstructure is nearly finished and that the department expects to select a design-build contractor on June 6. "By June 6, we're gonna have a company selected," he said, adding that the winning proposal will set the fixed contract price and schedule.

The hearing focused on timelines, costs, funding and public communication. Joe Almond of the governor27s staff told legislators the administration has coordinated weekly with state agencies, independent engineers and local officials and secured $2,600,000 in grants for businesses in Providence and East Providence. Almond said the governor filed suit in Providence Superior Court on Aug. 16 naming multiple companies tied to the original bridge design, construction or inspection; Alvedi said the attorney general now manages that litigation and that DOT staff cannot discuss its details.

DOT provided a funding summary and a procurement schedule. The department reported receiving a…