PROVIDENCE – Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Tuesday defended his handling of closing the Washington Bridge while acknowledging the massive traffic disruptions are “highly inconvenient” for travelers, businesses and others.
Traffic came to a halt on the westbound side of one of the busiest bridges in Rhode Island Tuesday less than 24 hours after it was closed when authorities discovered a critical structural failure.
McKee, alongside R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr., on Tuesday at a press conference claimed, “We mobilized quickly,” after drawing criticism for being away when the bridge closure was announced late Monday.
“We’re asking everybody to be understanding that this is an event that cannot be avoided and cannot be predicted,” McKee said. “This is the normal course of doing business. Our response and recovery team will continue to work across state government, local government and with the business community to ensure an efficient and coordinated response while RIDOT works to get the bridge reopened as soon as possible.”
McKee on Tuesday said he was first informed “late afternoon" on Monday by Alviti that the westbound lane of the bridge needed to be closed.
Alviti said that engineers working on the $78 million Washington Bridge reconstruction project discovered faulty components. That project isn’t slated to be completed until August 2026.
Alviti said that a number of the pins designed to brace the bridge have been severed. He warned that if the westbound side remained open, there could have been a “catastrophic failure” that might have caused it to collapse, according to the report.
McKee said Tuesday he has spoken with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his administration contacted Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration about options for federal support.
Traffic was backed up as early as 5:30 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 195 West. Cars were redirected off the highway onto Broadway in East Providence to the Henderson Bridge. From there, drivers were rerouted over the Henderson Bridge and back onto the highway via Gano Street.
McKee said a single lane for emergency vehicles on the westbound side of the Washington Bridge was reopened Tuesday after R.I. Department of Transportation engineers deemed it was safe for that use.
East Providence Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva told WPRI-TV CBS 12 the city increased rescue coverage to five rescues, 10 additional police officers are helping move traffic, and 15 Department of Public Works workers came in early to make and place traffic signs.
East Providence police blocked off the ramp from Taunton Avenue to North Broadway at 7 p.m. on Monday, according to the report.
The Washington Bridge carries I-195 over the Seekonk River from Providence to East Providence and serves as a key gateway to the state's largest city. The bridge carries close to 100,000 vehicles every day.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
