3 months later, locals businesses still suffer ramifications of Washington Bridge closure

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — It’s been three months since the emergency closure of the Washington Bridge, and businesses continue to feel the effects.

One manager said business is still down anywhere between 40 and 60%, and they are running out of ideas to improve sales.

“It’s slow,” said Jessica Medeiros, operations manager of The Burrito Bowl. “Look around, there is nobody here.”

The nightmare began back on December 11, when critical components of the Washington Bridge were found to be in a state of disrepair, with several steel support rods sheared or damaged on the bridge’s westbound side.

The westbound lanes were immediately closed.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti publicly said they are getting close to the final decision on the bridge, which will be the difference between a few months of work or a years-long process to get commutes back to normal.

“That should have been fixed a long time ago,” said Bristol resident Ron Ranaldi. “That was not watched very well. They did not do enough inspections. At this point, they are better off knocking it down and putting a new bridge in.”

It has been a rough three months for many businesses, especially those in East Providence.

Small businesses like The Burrito Bowl are hurting.

“As of right now, there has not been anything except for a loan,” Medeiros added. “When you are in the middle of a 40-60% revenue loss, a loan is not what you want to take on, that is more debt. We are still paying off Covid loans and things have not been easy for businesses, especially small businesses.”

Many businesses do not feel like state leadership is on their side.

“Leadership has not stepped up, in my opinion, because a loan is not going to cut it for us, and people are going to be closing their doors,” Medeiros said. “Right now, all we can do is support each other.”

One way Medeiros is helping local business is through a group called EP Eatz, where locals can share their favorite places to eat in East Providence.

“Be there for each other,” Medeiros said. “I feel like all of us small businesses need to band together. No one is coming for us, we need to be there for each other, we ought to bail ourselves out.”

Stick with ABC 6 News for updates from the department of transportation, as an announcement for the future of the Washington Bridge is be coming soon.