Rhode Island lawmakers introduce legislation for monthly updates on Washington Bridge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian introduced legislation that would require the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to produce a monthly public report on the status of the Interstate 195 bridge project.

The bill would require RIDOT to submit an updated report on the Washington Bridge that would be made available to the public on the first day of each month.

The report would need to include several key pieces of information, including an updated timeline on the fate of the bridge, a list of all contractors, average traffic delay times, and projected costs for fixing the bridge.

“Aside from the obvious stress and inconvenience that this bridge closure has caused for so many of our residents, the lack of clear information regarding this significant problem has been particularly frustrating for so many people,” Kazarian said. “The public deserves transparency and accountability regarding this bridge closure that has upended their daily lives and this legislation will help deliver that to the residents of Rhode Island.”

The legislation has been referred to the House State Government and Elections Committee.