Rhode Island House, Senate approve bill requiring Washington Bridge updates

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  State officials announced Tuesday that the Rhode Island House and Senate approved legislation requiring regular updates on the Washington Bridge.

The Rhode Island General Assembly said the proposed law requires regular monthly reports from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation on the state of the Washington Bridge.

“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 Valarie Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) in a statement.

Officials said the legislation encompasses the following:

• Monthly bridge updates provided to the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office
• First report submitted within 30 days of legislation signed into law,
• Reports continue until the restoration of the bridge, posted publicly on RIDOT’s website

“Aside from the terrible traffic and the significant damage to local businesses and quality of life, one of the most frustrating aspects of the bridge closure for residents has been the lack of clear and timely information surrounding the status of the Washington Bridge,” said Representative Katherine Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket) in a statement.

The reports plan to include the following:

• Updated timelines on the repair and replacement of the bridge
• Data on traffic patterns, including delays, accidents and vehicle breakdowns on the bridge
• Adjustments and anticipated adjustments made to the traffic patterns
• Health effects on residents near the Washington Bridge
• An overview of the effects of the bridge closure on roads in East Providence and Providence

In addition, each report will include an overview of costs related to the bridge, according to the General Assembly.

The bill headed to Governor McKee’s desk to be signed into law following the assembly’s approval.