The cost of keeping tow trucks on constant standby at the Washington Bridge has soared to $6.8 million, more than triple the original budget, Target 12 has found.

The R.I. Department of Transportation budgeted $2 million for the emergency towing services just after the westbound I-195 bridge was abruptly closed in December 2023. But monthly progress reports reviewed by Target 12 show the state blew past the $2 million mark last September, and costs have continued to climb since then.

RIDOT has maintained at least two tow trucks on 24-hour standby at the bridge since the closure in order to quickly clear crashes and breakdowns. The state currently contracts with five private towing companies for the service, with two trucks positioned at all times and a third operating from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The state has been spending an average of $440,000 a month on towing for the last year, though the amount varies widely. RIDOT says the trucks cleared 264 incidents during the 12 months ended May 31, putting the average cost at about $21,000 per incident.

See more at wpri.com.