Rhode Island to Announce Washington Bridge's Future

After three months of closure, state officials will reveal whether the bridge will be repaired or replaced.

Gov. Dan McKee and state transportation experts will reveal the fate of the Washington Bridge in a briefing scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m.
The bridge, a crucial artery for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts commuters, has been closed since December 11 due to critical failures.
State officials have hinted at the possibility of replacing the 1968 bridge rather than repairing it, following a detailed structural analysis.
Federal officials have indicated that if a complete rebuild is necessary, it could take up to two years to reopen the bridge.
The decision comes after months of speculation and disruptions to local traffic, with temporary measures like a ferry service and an emergency bypass implemented.