Governor McKee’s Washington Bridge Replacement Timeline Collapses - No Bids Submitted

Governor McKee’s Washington Bridge Replacement Timeline Collapses - No Bids Submitted

In March, Governor Dan McKee outlined a timeline and budget for the demolition and the construction of a replacement westbound Washington Bridge in March.

Now, on the eve of July 4th, the McKee Administration has disclosed that no construction companies have responded to the state’s request for proposal (RFP).

In a statement on Wednesday, McKee said, “Our goal has been and continues to be building a bridge as quickly as possible—Priorities that were reflected in the initial Request for Proposals and will continue to be reflected in any revised RFP. With that lens, the State is reviewing and potentially adjusting elements of the initial bid request.”

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Now, the effort to replace the bridge has been delayed for months or longer.

McKee has repeatedly defended false statements by Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti.

 

 

Missed Deadlines Plaguing McKee’s Bridge Response

This is not McKee's first major failure to stick to a deadline.

Also in March, McKee claimed that he was angry and that the “Day of Reckoning” was coming for those responsible for the failure of the Washington Bridge.

“…and the day of reckoning for those who are responsible for those who are responsible for the position that we are in. The position that the people in the State of Rhode Island are in. That day is coming, and it is coming very soon.”  said McKee.

Later his office told the media that the "reckoning" would be within two weeks.

The deadline for McKee’s “Day of Reckoning” came and went.

McKee’s office failed to answer a number of questions from GoLocal after the delay in the "Day of Reckoning" was announced.