PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island officials will announce Thursday that the westbound Washington Bridge needs to be rebuilt, confirming widespread fears that the structure will be out of service for an extended period of time.

Multiple people familiar with the decision told Target 12 on Thursday that they expect Gov. Dan McKee and R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti to reveal the decision at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m.

Construction of the new bridge structure could take approximately two years. Early cost estimates for the project are roughly $250 million to $300 million, with officials hoping the federal government will pick up a large share of the tab.

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