Traffic pattern changed on Washington Bridge

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Traffic is building up as commuters hit the roads this morning after Washington Bridge lane changes were put into place overnight.

This is one of the many adjustments expected as part of the reconstruction and demolition of the westbound side of the bridge that was announced back in March.

The work kicked off today, with crews shifting the traffic pattern on the bridge Tuesday morning.

This change kicks off the plan to bring three lanes of traffic in both directions, part of a project RIDOT announced back in February.

Crews are working to repaint lines and move the crossover point about half a mile towards the East Providence side of the bridge.

“And the lights throughout the entire detour route, I think people have already experienced this and honestly we’ve heard some complaints from other members of the community about the light timing. We’ve timed the lights differently so that the detour route stays green longer,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.

RIDOT officials say this change will mean thinner lanes and require trucks to stay in the right lane while traveling.

The speed limit on the bridge is also lowering to 40 miles per hour.

Tuesday’s work is expected to continue into the evening and be in place for commuters Wednesday morning.

Officials remind drivers to stay in their lane and stay alert as these changes are put into place.