Washington Bridge police detail costs pass $5M, years before replacement opens

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The price tag for nonstop police coverage at Rhode Island’s partially closed Washington Bridge has climbed past $5 million, with years left before a replacement span is ready, a Target 12 investigation has revealed.

The westbound side of I-195 was abruptly shut down in December 2023 after inspectors discovered a critical support failure. Since then, traffic has been rerouted onto the eastbound bridge, which now carries two-way traffic without breakdown lanes. The setup has created constant risks, where even minor crashes or disabled vehicles can trigger gridlock on the vital east-west corridor.

According to records reviewed by Target 12 and confirmed by the R.I. Department of Transportation, police detail costs totaled nearly $5.4 million through August. State Police have received about $3.2 million in reimbursements, while East Providence collected nearly $1.6 million and Providence about $555,000.

The costs come on top of $6.8 million already spent on standby tow trucks. Combined, towing and police details now average more than $600,000 a month.

State Police maintain a 24/7 presence on the highway, while East Providence and Providence police provide additional coverage on local roads, especially during rush hour.

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said his department deploys four officers during both morning and afternoon rush hours, with additional coverage on nearby streets where traffic regularly spills over. To meet demand, the city added a $20-an-hour premium to detail pay, bringing officer rates to $79 per hour and nearly $88 for higher-ranking personnel.

The state has already begun demolishing the westbound span and recently awarded a contract to build its replacement after the initial bidding process failed. RIDOT estimates the total cost of the bridge crisis, from emergency closure through demolition and reconstruction, will be at least $572 million.

Monthly progress reports show police detail expenses steadily rising since the closure. The most recent report pegged costs at $4.7 million through August, slightly less than the agency totals obtained by Target 12. RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin explained that some police coverage is being funded through other portions of the project budget, such as demolition and construction.

A new bridge is not expected to open until at least November 2028.

Washington Bridge police detail costs