A draft report obtained by Target 12 has issued a warning to Rhode Island officials regarding the fate of the Washington Bridge. The 45-page report by Michael Murdock of VN Engineers Inc., dated Wednesday, emphasizes the need for either major repairs or a full replacement of the bridge due to its severe structural problems. The report suggests that failure to take significant action could result in the collapse of the bridge.

The report raises concerns about the bridge's unusual design, which opened in 1968, posing challenges for inspection, maintenance, and repair. Despite recent repair efforts costing $35 million, additional work is deemed necessary to address the documented deterioration and deficiencies along the structure. The estimated cost to replace the bridge has not been released.

The closure of the westbound Washington Bridge, which occurred on Dec. 11 due to safety concerns, has caused disruptions for commuters traveling between the East Bay and Providence. Emergency inspections revealed more problems than initially anticipated, leading to the abandonment of the three-month closure target.

In response to the crisis, plans have been announced to add two lanes on the eastbound Washington Bridge to alleviate congestion. The construction of the new lanes is set to take about eight weeks, with a reduced speed limit of 40 miles per hour on the bridge.

The engineering report delivered by VN Engineers has outlined potential risks, stating that the bridge's cantilever beams may not be structurally sound enough to support significant weight. If the bridge were to fail, there is a risk of debris falling onto surrounding areas and damaging adjacent structures.

Further options to shore up the existing bridge have been explored in the report, but engineers have largely dismissed them as insufficient. The complexity of repairing and strengthening the bridge poses challenges for future inspection, maintenance, and repair efforts. Additionally, uncertainties remain regarding the structural sufficiency of the substructure supporting the bridge.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and RIDOT Director Peter Alviti have yet to make a decision regarding the fate of the Washington Bridge, emphasizing the need to evaluate all final reports before taking action. The situation remains a pressing issue for the administration as they navigate the implications of the bridge's condition on transportation and infrastructure in the region.