EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s been 100 days since the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) abruptly shut down the westbound side of the Washington Bridge and upended the I-195 corridor for the foreseeable future.

 

The bridge, which connects East Providence to Providence via I-195 West, has been closed since mid-December, when an engineer uncovered the critical failure of the steel anchor rods that hold its major beams in place.

 

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti announced last week that the bridge needs to be demolished and rebuilt. He said the bridge will be out of commission until at least 2026.

 

The abrupt closure has caused significant traffic on the highway and in surrounding communities, frustrating drivers by lengthening their commutes.

 

But it’s not just commuters who are feeling the impacts of the bridge closure. It has also taken a significant toll on small businesses.

 

 

Read more at wpri.com.