The Construction
Process
How we will build the Washington Bridge.
Design-Build Project Delivery
The use of a design-build project delivery method is a best-practice approach used by departments of transportation across the country, especially for large, complex projects. The process integrates the design and construction activities, with the selected design-build team advancing the design work on the bridge while simultaneously commencing construction operations. This results in a shorter overall project timeline, improved efficiencies, and innovation in design and construction methods.
How we will Build it
The short video below provides an overview of how we will build the new bridge
PROJECT FEATURES
New design provides replacement structure that will last 100 years while providing solutions to reduce historic congestion
1. Additional travel lane, new off-ramp:
Includes increasing the number of lanes over the bridge from four to five and constructing a new on-ramp to I-195 West from Gano Street and an off-ramp from I-195 West to Waterfront Drive.
2. New travel lane configurations to reduce longstanding congestion:
Includes new lane configurations for I-195 West in East Providence to eliminate longstanding traffic delays westbound toward Providence. This will provide an additional travel lane approaching the bridge. To accomplish this, the contractor will widen I-195 West to provide four lanes instead of three between the Broadway on-ramp and the Washington Bridge, replace the Potter Street overpass, and relocate an existing pier connected to the off-ramp from I-195 East to Taunton Avenue.
3. New substructure:
The bridge will be built on an entirely new substructure. The removal of the substructure was added to the demolition project last fall. Demolition went all the way down to the riverbed.
4. Smaller Footprint:
The new bridge will have a footprint that is more than 450 feet shorter than the old bridge. The design calls for far fewer supporting piers in the river.
5. Aesthetics:
Aesthetic lighting will illuminate the length of the bridge deck on its northern side. Prefabricated arches will be built over local streets on the Providence side of the river to mimic the look the original Washington Bridge.
Explaining Construction Activities and Milestones
The following videos provide an inside look at all the operations involved in building the new bridge