The state will pay its demolition contractor another $38.4 million to demolish the piers and beams underneath the I-195 westbound Washington Bridge, according to an agreement inked Wednesday and obtained by Rhode Island Current Friday.

The taxpayer cost grew by $38 million after the McKee administration decided they wanted Aetna to do a bigger project.

Aetna Bridge, the company that was given the contract for the demolition of the Washington Bridge in June despite being the high bidder, has scored a no-bid change order for tens of millions of dollars more.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is holding its second public meeting to discuss the Washington Bridge demolition effort following heavy criticism.