June 2026
In-water construction begins on new Washington Bridge
Providence, Rhode Island – Walsh Construction is marking a significant step forward on the Washington Bridge replacement project, as crews begin in-water construction that will serve as the foundation for the new structure.
“Right now, across the country, communities are replacing and modernizing aging infrastructure that was built generations ago to meet the evolving traffic and commerce needs of future generations,” said Chuck Parish, Vice President, New England Transportation and Water, Walsh Construction. “Today marks a meaningful step forward for Rhode Island and for everyone who relies on this corridor. Walsh is proud to be part of restoring this important connection.”
This milestone coincides with an announcement from Governor Dan McKee and state and local officials, who joined project partners in Providence to formally recognize the start of in-water work on the new westbound Washington Bridge.
Construction crews have begun installing the first of 32 drilled shafts that will form the bridge’s foundation. Each shaft will extend approximately 130 feet to bedrock, creating the support system for the bridge’s piers and abutments.
“This is a significant milestone for this project and for Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “After completing demolition, permitting, site preparation, and mobilization, in-water construction is now underway. My top priority has been keeping people safe while building a new bridge that will last for generations, and today represents meaningful progress toward that goal.”
The transition into in-water construction follows extensive preparation, including design, permitting, site surveys, material fabrication, and equipment mobilization. Earlier this year, crews established construction platforms in the river to support foundation work.
“Today's milestone demonstrates that this project continues to move forward,” said RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio. “Much of the work over the last several months has happened behind the scenes. Now Rhode Islanders will begin to see the bridge take shape as construction advances.”
Walsh Construction is leading the design and construction of the new westbound Washington Bridge. The replacement bridge will increase capacity from four travel lanes to five and will include a new Gano Street on-ramp and Waterfront Drive off-ramp to improve traffic flow. The bridge is being designed with a 100-year service life and features intended to support easier inspection and maintenance.
The design is comparable to the new I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River, which Walsh is constructing north of St. Louis.
Construction methods for the current phase include the use of vibratory hammers, which generate less noise than traditional pile driving. Vibration and noise monitoring systems will be in place throughout the work.
Following completion of the foundation phase, crews will move on to constructing bridge piers and the substructure that will support the bridge deck. Fabrication of structural steel for the superstructure is already underway at facilities in Wisconsin, with deliveries expected to Rhode Island later this year.
“While a lot of work has already gone into rebuilding the Washington Bridge from engineering, demolition, and securing the necessary permits, much of that progress has occurred out of public view,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva. “This next phase of construction will bring our community excitement as they begin to see structures rise, giving a visual representation that this project is moving forward, bringing us another step closer toward new and improved commutes.”
Labor leaders also highlighted the broader economic and workforce impacts of the project.
“Our skilled members are excited to be working on this necessary project that will benefit the traveling public, the flow of goods and services, and create hundreds of family-supporting construction jobs,” said Donato A. Bianco, Jr., Vice President and New England Regional Manager for the Laborers' International Union of North America. “Over the past several years, the State of Rhode Island has invested in bridge and road repairs, as we no longer kick the can down the road. Infrastructure investment into projects like this and others around our state is critical to economic growth.”
To keep the public informed, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation has launched a dedicated Washington Bridge rebuild website. The site includes construction updates, project milestones, videos, animations, and other resources, and will serve as the primary source of information throughout the project at www.washingtonbridgerebuild.com.