Anticipate delays and alternative routes due to the ongoing repairs on the Interstate 195 bridge in Rhode Island, with a potential duration of up to three months, as reported by the state’s Department of Transportation.

On December 12, the westbound section of the Washington Bridge, connecting Providence and East Providence, was closed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. This closure resulted from the discovery of what the department identified as “a critical failure of some bridge components.” These specific components are integral parts of the original Washington Bridge, constructed in 1968, as per RIDOT.

The damaged components were revealed during the reconstruction of the bridge, a crucial route accommodating approximately 96,000 vehicles daily over the Seekonk River.

RIDOT said, “Initially, all the westbound lanes will be closed and traffic diverted to alternate routes. In the next two to three weeks RIDOT will move traffic to two lanes on the eastbound side at which time permanent repairs will begin on the westbound side. Two lanes of Interstate 195 East in the area of Exit 1A (India Street) were closed by RIDOT Tuesday, Dec. 12.”

Effective immediately and throughout the repair period until the westbound side reopens, travelers are urged to follow designated detour routes:

  1. Local traffic in East Providence:
    • Take Exit 2 to Broadway.
    • Follow detour signs leading to the Henderson Bridge.
    • Rejoin I-195 West at Gano Street.
  2. Southeast Massachusetts west of Fall River, MA:
    • Take Massachusetts Exit 1.
    • Follow Route 114A to Route 44 West.
    • Continue onto Route 114 (Pawtucket Avenue) or Route 1A (Newport Avenue) to I-95. This is the recommended route for trucks.
  3. Southeast Massachusetts east of Fall River (including traffic from Cape Cod and the New Bedford Area):
    • Take Massachusetts Exit 14B to Route 24 North.
    • Follow to I-495 North, then proceed to I-95.

The repair duration, expected to be three months or more, depends on the severity of the issues identified in RIDOT’s initial assessment, as stated by the agency. RIDOT has communicated this information to emergency vehicle operators and officials in the adjacent cities and towns.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said, “In the process of reconstructing the Washington Bridge, our consultants found urgent safety issues that could cause a critical deficiency on this side of the bridge. We are closing the westbound side until we can make it completely safe.”