Washington Bridge demolition begins, Gano Street to see closures

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Work has started overnight on the Washington Bridge.

Commuters can expect closures and detours around Gano Street.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation kicked off bridge demolition around 9 p.m. last night, which is expected to continue into this morning as they work on the bridge deck and beams.

The closures will take place for the next few weeks, with the street closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

During the closure, drivers will see a detour using India, Wickenden, South Main, and South Water Streets to get around the area.

The on-ramp to 195 West at Gano will remain open during this work.

Next week, work is expected to start on the East Providence side of the bridge, with a one-week closure of waterfront drive expected later this month.

Governor Dan McKee is to address some of the fallout from the bridge’s impact on businesses this morning as he and Rhode Island’s Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner will announce the Washington Bridge Small Business Grant Program at 10 a.m. in East Providence.

McKee is also set to visit the white house later this week to advocate for federal assistance in the rebuilding efforts.