I-195 West Bypass Lanes Open Early On Washington Bridge

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Interstate 195 westbound bypass lanes opened Friday morning on the Washington bridge, much earlier than the original estimate of two-to-three weeks, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said.

This temporary traffic pattern from East Providence to Providence allows two lanes of travel westbound and two lanes of eastbound travel — all operating on the eastbound side of the bridge.

RIDOT officials said they will reopen most ramps that have been closed since the Washington Bridge's westbound side was closed due to "critical failure" of some original 1960s bridge components discovered during the bridge's reconstruction. But the Gano Street off-ramp (Exit 1D) will remain closed, as will the on-ramps to I-195 west from Veterans Memorial Parkway, Taunton Avenue, and Warren Avenue.

RIDOT will also continue to maintain passage on the westbound bridge for emergency vehicles only.

State officials said they expect the bypass lanes will help alleviate congestion, but there will still be delays. Motorists may continue to find one detour route or the other more effective for them. As traffic becomes accustomed to the change with the bypass lanes open, RIDOT expects congestion levels to even out and create more predictable traffic flow and travel times.

RIDOT posted estimated travel times for each detour route on the Washington Bridge closure page at here, and said they will update this information continuously.

• Bypass Lanes, Ferries, Small Business Relief: Washington Bridge Update
• Ferry And Bypass Lanes Planned Amid Washington Bridge Closure
• 'Critical Failure' Closes Washington Bridge, Possibly For Months.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.