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.
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HERE Resources
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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
