Construction on Washington Bridge to begin Monday

By: Sarah Doiron 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is preparing to begin work on the Washington Bridge Monday, which could mean more traffic delays for commuters in the Providence area.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said it's been more than 20 years since the last major rehabilitation of the bridge. Alviti said approximately 70,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, and the westbound portion of the bridge is considered "structurally deficient."

"It was built in 1969, and under the governor's roadworks plan it's one more bridge that we're giving the necessary attention that it needs," Alviti said.

Construction on the bridge will begin on Aug. 20 and should be completed by fall 2020. Alviti said the project will cost $22.3 million.

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Alviti said the Gano Street off-ramp, which is Exit 3 on I-195 West, will be closed through Fall 2019.

"It's inconvenient, we know," Alviti said. "But it's a necessary inconvenience, and we thank everyone ahead of time for their patience and cooperation."

According to Alviti, there will be several detours helping motorists navigate the area. Those who would normally take the Gano Street off-ramp are asked to take Exit 2 instead, which leads to South Main Street.

"Drivers who want to get back to Gano Street will take an immediate left on Pike Street, another left on South Water Street and then follow the roadway along India Point Park back to Gano Street," Alviti explained.

The department of transportation said there is more than $900 million worth of construction happening in Rhode Island this year.

"Things are going really well this summer with a lot of construction going on," Alviti said. "We expect that this project will be the same."

Source >> https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/construction-on-washington-bridge-to-begin-monday/1376042972