WPRO News and the Associated Press
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has completed its inspection of the state’s 230 structurally deficient bridges.
Officials found that 28 of those bridges had “critical findings” that they say will cost millions to temporarily fix.
Governor Gina Raimondo said the accelerated assessment proved what Rhode Islanders already know; the state has the worst bridges in the nation.
“Enough with the politics of procrastination, it’s a tough issue, we have to find the money, the longer we procrastinate the more risky it is,” said Raimondo “Rhode Islanders are at risk.”
The Pawtucket Avenue Bridge in East Providence and the Park Avenue Bridge in Cranston, which closed in June, were among the ones needing immediate corrective action.
Crews were in Pawtucket on Monday pouring cement at the Mineral Spring Avenue Bridge.
The bridges were subjected to reinspections between early May and Aug. 14 to ensure they aren’t threats to public safety.
DOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. says the results have helped the department target structures that need immediate attention. Alviti ordered the reinspections at an estimated cost of up to $1.5 million.
