Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee talks Washington Bridge, new traffic pattern

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joined ABC6 Anchor Karah Bailey Thursday morning in studio to discuss the Washington Bridge and the lane changes he and RIDOT hope will relieve some of stress felt by commuters.

“I think we have a real effort right now with enforcement with our state police to reduce accidents”

McKee attributed most of the traffic backup to accidents that have occurred on the bridge.

“Safety has been our number one priority,” said McKee

“That’s the reason why we closed the bridge on December 11 because the safety issues far outweighed any other consideration.”

McKee reiterated that the reduction of accidents will help keep the flow of traffic going strong on the bridge.

McKee went on to say he believed that process to begin demolition and new construction would be moving ahead soon.

“Our anticipation is that before the end of the summer the demo work will begin and that sometime around this time next year, the new bridge, the construction on that will be in place.”