The Rhode Island Department of Transportation will now be required to give monthly updates on the status of the Washington Bridge to lawmakers and the governor’s office, according to a new law approved Tuesday by the Senate and House.
The legislation also requires RIDOT to make the reports public online.
The new law “ensures that everyone impacted by this situation – in the East Bay and across Rhode Island – receives timely, thorough information about the status of the bridge, the plans for its repair and replacement, the timeline involved and the steps being taken to alleviate traffic while work continues,” said Sen. Valarie Lawson, D-East Providence, who introduced the bill with Rep. Katherine Kazarian, D-East Providence.
“Aside from the terrible traffic and the significant damage to local businesses and quality of life, one of the most frustrating aspects of the bridge closure for residents has been the lack of clear and timely information surrounding the status of the Washington Bridge,” Kazarian said.
The first report, due within 30 days of signing the bill into law, will include the latest information on the bridge’s repair and replacement timeline, traffic patterns and an update on the health effects of the bridge closure.
Each subsequent report will include updates on the cost of the repairs and replacement, overtime costs for traffic details and more.
Lawmakers said the legislation will help provide transparency to residents who have been impacted by the bridge closure.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.