So, according to the current RIDOT deputy chief engineer, the Washington Bridge failures “might” have pre-existed, but no one had noticed this until recently.

It was actually an engineer employed by a private firm who noticed the deplorable conditions. Why? Because he actually used his eyes and hands to conduct a physical inspection and report what he saw. Unlike the state employed inspectors who apparently work from home, or from the local Dunkin’ Donuts and don’t actually do the job as expected. Or maybe they are doing what’s expected by their boss.

So why did a state inspector not catch this months or years ago? Might it be that engineers employed by a private firm realize that they must actually perform the work they are paid to do or they will get fired? This in contrast to the state inspector who knows that they won’t, or can’t, be fired for failure to perform their job and will be protected by their boss, who will create just about any excuse for their failures.

Meanwhile, we face at least a year, probably two, of a continued disaster on I-195. Anyone care to guess on the actual cost (don’t forget the obligatory cost overruns and delays) and the actual completion date?

Jay P. Edwards

Tiverton