A flawed bridge, frayed nerves, fraught politics – this has been a daily reality for Rhode Islanders since the abrupt closure of the Washington Bridge westbound in 2023. But it’s not the first time the state has grappled with how to replace a critical highway bridge. Rhode Island Report partnered with GBH's Big Dig podcast for a live conversation about Providence’s complicated relationship with its urban highways. The Big Dig host Ian Coss joined host Edward Fitzpatrick to interview Mike Lewis, former director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and Zachary Cunha, former United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.

This is a lightly edited recording of that discussion. Tips and ideas? Email us at [email protected].

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