Photos from underneath Washington Bridge show critical pieces in disrepair

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation shared photos of critical pieces of the Washington Bridge in disrepair on Tuesday after the bridge was closed to westbound traffic on Monday.

According to RIDOT, all westbound lanes will be closed and traffic will be diverted to alternate routes as repairs are made.

Photos from under the Washington Bridge show several steel rods and concrete support pillars sheared down and bouncing under the load of cars traveling over them.

Some gaps between the steel rods supporting the bridge and the pillars they should be attached to were measured at more than an inch in diameter.

Heavy rust accumulation could also be seen on the steel beams used to support the bridge.

The department provided the following detours as a result of the bridge being closed:

• 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.