News Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has confirmed lane closures on Interstate 95 starting tonight at 9 PM as repairs to the Washington Bridge continue. Traffic disruptions will be prominent between exit 1A and exit 1BC. Additionally, the Oxford Street Bridge will undergo closures from the Potter Street overpass to the Gano Street on-ramp as demolition work resumes. The ongoing bridge issues have significantly affected local commuters, leading to increased congestion and even job losses for some residents. Federal funding of $220.98 million has been secured to aid in repairs and support local businesses.
Providence, Rhode Island — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that lane closures will be implemented on Interstate 95 starting tonight at 9 PM, as ongoing repairs to the Washington Bridge continue. The closures will affect traffic between exit 1A and exit 1BC, creating potential congestion for local commuters.
In addition to the I-95 lane closures, Oxford Street Bridge (formerly known as I-195) will also experience disruptions, where closures will take place from the Potter Street overpass to the Gano Street on-ramp. The in-water demolition work, essential for the ongoing repairs of the bridge, will resume at 6 AM and conclude by 4 PM to help minimize disturbances in the evening hours.
The closure of the westbound Washington Bridge has significantly impacted Rhode Island residents since December 2023, leading to longer travel times and increased traffic congestion throughout the area. Commuters have reported frustration over the delays, and many residents feel the situation has yet to improve significantly. More than 400 individuals have filed for unemployment due to job losses attributed to the effects of the bridge closure.
Local businesses have felt the repercussions as well; establishments like Narragansett Brewing have reported sales declines, although some have begun to recover. As the eastbound Washington Bridge now carries double the traffic it was designed for, there are growing safety concerns among drivers regarding its ability to handle the increased load.
Despite these concerns, RIDOT has assured the public that the eastbound Washington Bridge is currently safe. Internal communications raised worries about the bridge’s structural sensitivity since the westbound bridge’s closure. To address these concerns, RIDOT plans to install new monitoring systems to continuously assess the bridge’s health going forward.
The timeline for the complete demolition of the westbound bridge has now extended to the end of 2025. This marks over two years since its initial closure. The project’s cost has ballooned to nearly $100 million, over double the original estimate, reflecting the extensive work required.
In response to the challenging situation, RIDOT has successfully secured federal funding of $220.98 million, designated for both the demolition and rebuilding efforts. The state has also allocated $2.6 million in grants for impacted small businesses, allowing up to $10,000 in funding per business to assist with their recovery.
Residents and local officials are voicing demands for increased oversight and accountability regarding the bridge situation, with public hearings planned to address the ongoing concerns. In a legal move, the state has also filed a lawsuit against 13 companies associated with the bridge’s issues, alleging negligence in maintenance and assessment practices. The ongoing investigations and court procedures related to these claims are expected to prolong the resolution of the bridge situation.
As the repairs continue and the additional monitoring systems are put in place, drivers in Rhode Island are encouraged to plan accordingly and stay informed about the latest construction updates and lane closures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rhode Island’s Washington Bridge Closure Triggers Infrastructure Crisis
Washington Bridge Closure Sparks Controversy in Rhode Island
Traffic Disruptions on I-195 Prompt New Measures in Providence
Traffic Lane Shift on Route 37 in Cranston
Benefit Street Sidewalk Upgrade Proposal Faces Opposition
Rhode Island FC Partners with Rhode Island Energy for Fireworks
Providence City Hall Set for $40 Million Restoration
Washington Bridge Replacement Costs Surge Amid Accountability Concerns
Rhode Island Selects Walsh Construction for Washington Bridge Rebuild
Search for Suspect in Disturbing Incident at Rhode Island College
Additional Resources
- WPRI: Key Moments Since the Washington Bridge Closed
- Google Search: Washington Bridge closure
- Turnto10: Washington Bridge Closure’s Ongoing Impact
- Wikipedia: Washington Bridge
- Providence Journal: Gano Street Closure for Bridge Demolition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Boston Globe: Washington Bridge Closure Update
- ABC6: RIDOT Lane Closures on Washington Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
