PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) said demolition on the defunct westbound Washington Bridge will resume on Tuesday. "As is standard practice, RIDOT will issue a travel update notice to the media and the public as we get closer to the date of resumption," RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said. Demolition was halted on Sept. 17 so state officials could "preserve evidence" due to an ongoing lawsuit filed earlier this summer against 13 companies. State attorneys allege the companies, which all worked on the bridge over the past decade, failed to identify and address the bridge's worsening structural issues over the years. "Ending the pause in terms of the demolition and that process of identifying the company that will build a bridge that will outlast our lifetime will come right after that," Gov. Dan McKee said on Wednesday. TARGET 12: Legal battle could reveal if RI officials share blame for Washington Bridge failure No companies submitted bids to build the new bridge by the deadline in July. When asked when a new request for proposals would go out, McKee didn't have a specific date. RIDOT is hosting a virtual meeting at 6 p.m. Friday so the public can weigh in before demolition resumes. The bridge has been closed since Dec. 11, 2023, after an engineer discovered a structural issue state leaders determined could have resulted in an immediate failure. It has since been plagued by traffic backups in both directions for months, causing headaches for commuters, residents and lawmakers. The bridge needs to be completely rebuilt and is expected to be out of commission until at least 2026. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW