Rhode Island seeks proposals for bridge demolition project

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The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is seeking proposals from design-build teams through June 21 for the Washington Bridge Westbound demolition project in Providence.

Proposals should be for the removal of the bridge superstructure. They will be evaluated and awarded based on value. Proposals that complete the work in the earliest timeframes will score higher.

The state will divide the demolition process into four groups, each working on a different section of the bridge, with a required milestone date for completion. This method allows for zero impacts on the adjacent eastbound bridge.

The department will award a contract to the selected design-build team and issue a notice to proceed by mid-July.

The contract will include provisions for per-day rates for incentives for finishing before the milestone dates as well as disincentives for finishing after the dates. The state will award up to $3 million for early completion and issue up to $3 million in penalties for exceeding end dates.

The state will provide a stipend of $100,000 to the second and third runner-up bidding teams.

The department also is seeking a design-build team to build the new bridge.

Work is expected to begin in July, and the entire project is scheduled for completion in March 2025.