Measure to provide monthly reports on Washington Bridge passes House and Senate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island House and Senate passed legislation Thursday to require monthly updates from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) on the state of the Washington Bridge.

The legislation was proposed by Senate Majority Whip Valarie J. Lawson and House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian.

“This legislation ensures that everyone impacted by this situation – in the East Bay and across Rhode Island – receives timely, thorough information about the status of the bridge, the plans for its repair and replacement, the timeline involved and the steps being taken to alleviate traffic while work continues,” said Senator Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).

The legislation requires RIDOT to produce the first report within 30 days of the legislation being signed into law and that the reports continue until the restoration of the bridge.

The reports must also be published for public viewing on RIDOT’s website.

The reports will contain repair and replacement timelines, traffic data and health effects on nearby residents.

Cost will also be covered in the reports, and unexpected changes to the progress of the replacement are expected to be reported promptly.