RIDOT opening new traffic lanes on Washington Bridge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti announced that the state plans to have three lanes going each direction on the Washington Bridge.

McKee said the aim of the extra lanes is to “cut back on travel delays and reduce congestion around the bridge,” and that a forensic analysis on the bridge is also being completed.

Officials said they expect work on the new traffic pattern to begin on Feb. 26 and to be open in around eight weeks, but could be slowed down due to weather and supply chain issues.

Lanes will be reduced from 12 to 10 feet, and truck travel will be restricted to the far-right lane in both directions. The speed limit for both directions will also be reduced to 40 mph.

RIDOT added that traffic entering the bridge from South Water Street and India Street will need to yield to traffic, while the lane reduction on Interstate 195 West near the East Shore Expressway will be reduced.