'Traffic is insane': Businesses long for end to Washington Bridge closure

A look at the Washington Bridge closure and rebuilding process, two years on

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today marks a frustrating anniversary for thousands of Rhode Island commuters. Two years ago today, the westbound side of the Washington Bridge was abruptly shut down by state officials. The announcement came at 4 p.m. on December 11, 2023 when RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said that consultants had “found urgent safety issues that could cause a critical deficiency” with the bridge. To prevent a possible collapse, the wes…

Two years later, life goes on for Rhode Islanders as they wait for Washington Bridge rebuild

A sign on the East Side of Providence states the rebuild of a new Washington Bridge is 'on budget' and 'on time' for completion in November 2028. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)Mitchell Check Jr. had just gotten off the phone after ordering a new shipment of white carnations for his family’s Taunton Avenue flower shop in East Providence Wednesday morning when he was asked how business has been going.  “Things haven’t been horrib…

'Traffic is insane': Businesses long for end to Washington Bridge closure

Thursday marks two years since the westbound side of the Washington Bridge abruptly closed.

Two years later, life goes on for Rhode Islanders as they wait for Washington Bridge rebuild - What's Up Newp

by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island CurrentDecember 11, 2025 Mitchell Check Jr. had just gotten off the phone after ordering a new shipment of white carnations for his family’s Taunton Avenue flower shop in East Providence Wednesday morning when he was asked how business has been going.  “Things haven’t been horrible, but they haven’t been better,” […] The post Two years later, life goes on for Rhode Islanders as they wait for Washington Bridge re…