PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The McKee administration on Friday picked Aetna Bridge Co. to demolish the westbound Washington Bridge, choosing the company over a rival bidder that had also sought the job.

Aetna estimated the cost of the demolition job at $45.8 million, which is significantly higher than the R.I. Department of Transportation’s prior estimate. The other bidder was Manafort Brothers Inc., which bid $43.8 million.

RIDOT spokesperson Liz Pettengill said the agency had budgeted $31 million to cover the construction portion of the demolition project, including $3 million of incentives if the work is finished early.

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