RIDOH recommends ambulances for expectant parents to avoid Washington Bridge traffic

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends any pregnant person in the East Bay that goes into labor call an ambulance if they have to go over the river to get to the hospital.

RIDOH said that those going through labor should avoid driving themselves due to traffic disruptions and detours causing heavy backups in the area.

Emergency vehicles are cleared to travel westbound on the Washington Bridge.

RIDOH Chief of Emergency Medical Services Jason Rhodes said transport times were impacted by about five or six minutes during the shutdown.

Many East Bay emergency service providers said they have added extra staff and ambulances to prepare for backups or delays.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said tit anticipates turning two of the four eastbound lanes into westbound lanes by this weekend to allow drivers to get into Providence.