New state ad campaign to help businesses impacted by Washington Bridge closure

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A marketing campaign to help small businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge is up and running.

The message of the commercial? Rhode Island is open for business.

“We kind of had COVID happened, and then the bridge closure so it’s kind of been one thing after another,” said Jennifer Monastesse, co-owner of McBride’s Pub in Providence. “So it’s kind of been one thing after another.”

“I’m very happy they decided to do that PSA commercial,” Monastesse added. “Because it can only get better hopefully.”

Governor Dan McKee’s office launched the campaign in collaboration with Rhode Island Commerce, reminding Rhode Islanders of the importance of shopping locally.

One East Providence restaurant owner said the traffic is better since three lanes opened up on the bridge last month and in turn business is improving.

“Now that they’ve opened up the three lanes, it’s great,” said Natalia Paiva-Neves, owner of O Dinis Restaurant in East Providence. “I think traffic is flowing beautifully. We used to have lots of traffic right here in front of the restaurant but now it’s great.”

Monastesse said McBride’s Pub in Providence’s Wayland Square was kept open by its regular customers since the initial bridge closure back in December, but staff is hoping the commercial brings in new people.

“I definitely think it’s a good reminder that these places do exist and they are suffering a little more than other places,” Monastesse said.

Following the launch of the campaign, the state’s House and Senate approved a bill Tuesday requiring monthly updates from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation on the state of the bridge and the timeline for demolition and re-building.