PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island is one step closer to demolishing the westbound Washington Bridge.

 

Companies looking to win the estimated $40.5 million contract for the demolition job had to submit their bids by noon Monday, and a state portal shows two firms did so: Aetna Bridge Co. and Manafort Brothers Inc.

 

Aetna had already been working on the reconstruction of the bridge as part of a joint venture with another firm, Barletta Heavy Division, before that project was abruptly halted due to structural problems with the span discovered last December.

 

No further details about the two companies’ bids are available yet, including whether their cost projections are in line with the R.I. Department of Transportation’s $40.5 million estimate.

 

RIDOT is seeking to move quickly on the demolition effort. The agency plans to award a tentative contract to one of the companies by Friday, with the project expected to start as soon as next month.

 

The westbound bridge is supposed to be fully demolished by next March. The eastbound bridge, a separate and newer structure, is currently carrying traffic in both directions.

 

From wpri.com.