State of Rhode Island Sues 13 Companies Over Washington Bridge

The lawsuit announced Aug. 16 alleges breach of contract, fiduciary duty and negligence

Gov. Dan McKee had pledged to deliver a day of accountability — and he said that moment has come.
Gov. Dan McKee had pledged to deliver a day of accountability — and he said that moment has come.
Ian Donnis/The Public’s Radio
Share
Gov. Dan McKee had pledged to deliver a day of accountability — and he said that moment has come.
Gov. Dan McKee had pledged to deliver a day of accountability — and he said that moment has come.
Ian Donnis/The Public’s Radio
State of Rhode Island Sues 13 Companies Over Washington Bridge
Copy

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced on Aug. 16 that the state is suing 13 companies that worked on the Washington Bridge. The suit was filed in an effort “to hold accountable those companies responsible for the near-miss catastrophic closure of the bridge and to recover the significant resources required to rebuild the bridge and compensate the state.”

Neronha said in a statement that a complaint in Providence Superior Court alleges that the companies failed in a timely way to adequately identify worsening structural issues that led to the emergency closing of the bridge in December 2023. The lawsuit includes claims of breach of contract, fiduciary duty and negligence, with claims varying against the defendants.

The companies named in the lawsuit are AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Aetna Bridge Company; Aries Support Services, Inc.; Barletta Heavy Division, Inc.; Barletta/Aetna I-195 Washington Bridge North Phase 2 JV; Collins Engineers, Inc.; Commonwealth Engineers Consultants, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Michael Baker International, Inc.; Prime AE Group, Inc.; Steere Engineering, Inc.; Transystems Corporation; and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

From Warren’s town-wide celebration to artisan markets in Providence, Pawtucket and beyond, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip and support local this holiday season
The ferry service with routes to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard plans to run even after much of the pier was closed for repairs
Turkeys are more than just a Thanksgiving meal, they’re a part of forest ecosystems across the country. In this episode of Possibly, we take a look at how they made a major comeback in New England after being driven to local extinction
Centurion Foundation CEO asks state to cut talks with Prime Healthcare, alleging sabotage of its hospital deal
The Ocean State is one of just three states that still prohibit most retail on Thanksgiving — a throwback to centuries-old blue laws that continue to shape when Rhode Islanders can (and can’t) shop