$6.8M spent to keep tow trucks on Washington Bridge 24/7

PROVIDENCE, R.I.  — The cost of keeping tow trucks on the Washington Bridge 24/7 has climbed to $6.8 million, more than triple the original budget, according to a review by WPRI’s Target 12.

Emergency towing services was originally budgeted at $2 million after the sudden December 2023 closure of the westbound I-195 side of the bridge. That budget was exceeded by September 2024, with expenses continuing to rise.

Since the shutdown, RIDOT has kept at least two tow trucks stationed at the bridge at all hours to quickly clear breakdowns and crashes, plus a third truck on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The state contracts with five private towing companies for the work, spending an average of $440,000 per month over the past year.

From June 2023 to May 2024, the trucks handled 264 incidents, which averages at  $21,000 per call. RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said the initial budget assumed the towing service would be short term, but the need persisted after officials determined the bridge would have to be fully replaced.

The bridge rebuild is expected to last until late 2028, and state officials project another $10 million in towing costs, bringing the total to $16.8 million. The expense will be folded into the $427 million westbound replacement project, with 80% covered by federal funds.

State Representative David Place, a member of the House Oversight Committee, questioned why the towing budget was never formally updated despite the overruns. RIDOT says the added costs have been offset by savings elsewhere in the $46 million emergency budget, particularly lower than expected bridge inspection expenses. Is the projected $10 million accurate, or will Washington Bridge towing costs surpass it?

Towing contract payouts to date:

• Sterry Street Auto Sales Inc. – $1.69M

• Dave’s Towing Service Inc. – $1.58M

• Precision Auto Sales & Body Works Inc. – $1.28M

• Coletta’s Downtown Auto Service Inc. – $1.28M

• K&B Service Inc. – $970K