RIDOT offers new updates on Washington Bridge closure

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Friday’s press conference covering some key updates for commuters and local businesses as traffic eases a bit across the Ocean State.

Two new lanes opened on the Washington Bridge Friday morning.

With Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said this is one big step in returning traffic to pre-closure levels.

“Now, that’s partially because some people today didn’t hear about it and continued to use the detours,” Alviti said. “Or school is out, and some people I’m sure have been working, choosing to work remote.”

Alviti added that he expects traffic to pick up as the week continues, but delays are unlikely to reach the level they did when the bridge first shut down.

In addition to the detours staying in place, Alviti said the department is ready to begin operating its ferry service.

But it won’t start Monday as was originally hoped.

“We’re expecting between 40 and 50-mile-per-hour winds and some heavy seas on Monday, so we’re not going to be able to begin the service then,” Alviti said. “But we’re keeping an eye on the weather, and we will let you all know when we intend on actually beginning that service.”

RIDOT plans on offering three ferries for commuters that should be able to transport over 1,000 passengers every hour.

The other major announcement during Friday’s press conference pertained to small businesses.

Gov. Dan McKee announcing a partnership with the Small Business Administration for small business loans.

“We will be opening a business recovery center in the City of East Providence,” District Director of the Rhode Island SBA Mark Haywood said. “It will be in the Weaver Memorial Library and our target date is to open that on Monday.”

So far, more than 150 East Providence businesses have filled out the city’s assistance form, and at least 200 businesses have reached out to the governor’s helpline.

The number for that line is (401) 521-HELP.