I-195/Washington Bridge Closure: Information for Patients and Visitors

Please be advised that RIDOT has closed the westbound side of the Washington Bridge/I-195 West due to the discovery of the critical failure of some bridge components.

It has opened two bypass lanes for I-195 West traffic from East Providence to Providence. This temporary traffic pattern will allow two lanes of travel westbound and two lanes of travel eastbound – all operating on the eastbound Washington Bridge.

RIDOT will continue to maintain one limited access “emergency lane” on the westbound bridge for ambulances and emergency vehicles only.

RIDOT will reopen most ramps that had been closed. However, the Gano Street off-ramp (Exit 1D) will remain closed as will the on-ramps to I-195 West from Veterans Memorial Parkway and Taunton Avenue. 

If You Have an Appointment or Procedure

Anyone coming to a Lifespan hospital or facility in the Providence or East Providence area should expect significant travel delays. Please leave early enough to ensure you arrive on time. Lifespan will be as accommodating as possible for late appointments arrivals but cannot guarantee that appointment slots will be held due to the delays.

If you will be late or unable to make your appointment, please call your provider's office. Phone numbers can be found in our physician search and locations search.

Additional Information and Suggested Detours

For those affected, please continue to monitor the course of the bridge repairs and status of detours at https://www.dot.ri.gov.

You can find more information in the complete RIDOT announcement here: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46859.