Officials open bypass lanes on the Washington Bridge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened two bypass lanes on the eastern side of the Washington Bridge for westbound traffic.

Crews have since been working to modify the two lanes and make them operable for westbound traffic as quickly as possible. Officials initially said the step would take a few weeks.

The changes are expected to make the flow of traffic smoother, as drivers depending on the bridge have been stuck in traffic for hours this week.

The department immediately closed the westbound side for repairs on Monday.

The department released photos of the disrepair this week. The images show steel rods and concrete support pillars sheared down.

In addition to the damage, there was a significant amount of rust.

Officials said the beams were bouncing underneath the traffic above.

Anyone who goes into labor during this time should call an ambulance if they need to cross the bridge to get to the hospital, as emergency vehicles are cleared to travel westbound.

The department recommended the following detours amid the bridge work:

• Local traffic in East Providence: Take exit 2 to Broadway. Follow detour signs to the Henderson Bridge and rejoin I-195 west at Gano Street.
• Southeast Massachusetts west of Fall River: Take Massachusetts exit 1 and follow Route 114A. Follow onto Route 114 (Pawtucket Avenue) or Route 1A (Newport Avenue) to I-95. This is the preferred routes for trucks.
• Southeast Massachusetts east of Fall River (including traffic coming from Cape Cod and the New Bedford area): Take Massachusetts exit 14B to Route 24 north. Follow to I-495 north to I-95.

Officials expect the bridge to be ready to reopen in three months, depending on weather.