Traffic heading westbound on Route 195 at Exit 2B and 114 in East Providence is shown at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera)
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General have opened an inquiry to review the condition of the Washington Bridge and the abrupt closure of its westbound lanes in December, Gov. Dan McKee’s office announced Friday evening.
McKee’s office said in an email at 6 p.m. that federal investigators contacted the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for documents and records related to the closure.
“This is not unexpected, and the Governor welcomes the review,” McKee spokesperson Olivia DaRocha said in a statement. “The Governor has instructed the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to fully cooperate.”
McKee has faced criticism this week on talk radio and on social media after he suggested in news media interviews that the delays caused by the westbound bridge closure amounted to an additional 10 to 15 minutes for motorists.