The Washington Bridge in Rhode Island: From Glory to "Oh My!"
Ah, the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island. Once a trusty steed carrying Providence commuters across the Seekonk River, it's become a bit of a local legend – for all the wrong reasons. Buckle up, folks, for a tale of unexpected closures, traffic woes, and a bridge with a bad case of the crumbles.
 |
| What Happened To The Washington Bridge In Rhode Island |
From Workhorse to Whoa, Horse!
The Washington Bridge had been chugging along since 1969, a silent hero of the daily commute. But in December 2023, things took a turn faster than a Rhode Island driver spotting a Dunkin' Donuts. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), ever the bearer of bad tidings, announced the bridge's westbound closure due to a critical case of, well, critical failure.
Apparently, some essential bridge bits and bobs decided to take an early retirement, leaving the whole structure a bit worse for wear. Imagine your morning toast suddenly declaring, "I'm out!" That's basically the Washington Bridge.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Traffic Shenanigans and Delays That Would Make a Snail Blush
The closure caused traffic mayhem of epic proportions. Commutes that used to take 45 minutes ballooned into multi-hour sagas. People were stranded, tempers flared, and some resorted to using carrier pigeons to get messages to work (okay, maybe not that last one, but it was rough).
RIDOT, bless their optimistic hearts, initially thought they could patch things up in three months. Then, reality (and probably a good look at the bridge) set in. In March 2024, Governor Dan McKee dropped the bombshell: the bridge was toast. Demolition and a complete replacement were the only options.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
So, the trusty Washington Bridge is headed for a dirt nap, and a shiny new bridge is slated to rise from the ashes (or, more accurately, the riverbed) in a couple of years. The estimated cost? A cool $300 million. That's a lot of clam chowder, folks.
 |
FAQ: Washington Bridge Woes Edition
How to get around the Washington Bridge closure? (This is a bit of a trick question since it's closed!) You're better off using alternate routes or public transportation until the new bridge is built.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
How long will it take to replace the Washington Bridge? Buckle up, buttercup! At least two years.
How much will the new Washington Bridge cost? Enough to buy a small island off the Rhode Island coast (probably). We're talking $300 million.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Can I see pictures of the Washington Bridge closure? A quick web search should do the trick! You might even find some hilarious traffic memes.
Should I avoid Rhode Island altogether? Absolutely not! Rhode Island has plenty to offer, bridge closure or not. Just be prepared for some extra travel time if you're heading to Providence.
 |
