Rep Quattrocchi calls for Termination of RIDOT Director for Gross Mismanagement in Regard to RI Bridge Maintenance
Robert Quattrocchi
State House, Providence – Rhode Island House Representative Robert Quattrocchi (District 41 – Scituate/Cranston), is calling for the Governor to terminate Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti in regard to his gross mismanagement of Rhode Island bridge infrastructure maintenance. He also cites a prevailing lack of confidence by the taxpayers of Rhode Island in his ability to manage this crisis going forward:
In 1981, I entered my profession in the concrete industry. Throughout the early 80’s, I worked for multiple concrete construction companies, opening my own concrete business in the mid 80’s, and partnered with my brother throughout the late 80’s and 90’s. I sold my share of the business to my brother, and worked for him into the 2000’s. While I primarily specialized in concrete flat work, such as driveways, patios, walkways and such, I do have experience in concrete construction for foundations, walls and a short time, I worked for a major road construction company in Florida, building bridges. I have a broad knowledge of concrete materials, reinforcements, applications and maintenance.
I am calling for the immediate termination of RIDOT Director Peter Alviti by Governor McKee. Based on my 30 years of concrete construction experience and expertise, I found his response to my question during the October 17th public Zoom meeting on the Washington Bridge incompetent, negligent, or both. I asked ‘why have we rebuilt bridge decks all over the state on crumbling footings?’
Essentially, his response was that the first two inches of surface concrete were unimportant to the structural integrity of the bridge footing. I completely disagree with his assertion and would compare it to claiming that an automobile’s primer and paint finish is unimportant in protecting the vehicle’s metal structure.
Under his directorship, Alviti created a maintenance nightmare by accepting shoddy workmanship on many of Rhode Island’s bridge footings. After extremely expensive bridge beams and deck roadway replacements were recently completed, this questionable workmanship is responsible for the continued deterioration of steel reinforcements and cracks in the footings, which is highly visible. We now have constant and unnecessary upkeep which will create costly expenses to address the visible deterioration caused by cutting corners. We need competency, experience and most importantly faith in the management and execution of our vital infrastructure, particularly regarding the Washington Bridge.
Director Alviti is lacking in these areas, and the taxpayers of Rhode Island deserve better. We cannot afford Alviti’s mismanagement and excuses any longer.
Attached photos documenting deterioration on footings of recent bridge maintenance projects in the area of Rt. 6 / I-295 –these deterioration examples can be seen on bridges throughout our state’s roadway system.