The U.S. Department of Transportation "Mega" grant will pay a chunk of the cost, last estimated at more than $400 million, of tearing the old bridge down and building a new one. The Mega grant program is funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Rhode Island will receive $125 million in federal funding toward replacing the westbound side of the Washington Bridge.

As the case begins to take shape, Superior Court Judge Brian P. Stern could become a household name — especially if it goes to trial as opposed to being settled ahead of time.

The R.I. Department of Transportation has stopped demolition on the defunct westbound Washington Bridge, which state officials said is necessary to “preserve evidence” in its ongoing legal battle. 12 News Reporter Shiina LoSciuto has the story.