Federal Highway Administrator tours the Washington Bridge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  The Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt visited Rhode Island on Monday to tour the Washington Bridge.

The Federal Highway Administrator says the main focus is getting the bridge open again for Rhode Islanders.

Bhatt said in an interview on Gano St. Monday, “I think that’s what one of our bridge experts will be looking at — to take down a structure and repair and keep things as minimally impacted — you’re looking at year or two but that’s something we’ll be closely monitoring, if that’s the way we go.”

Gov. McKee commented on the new traffic patterns proposed by RIDOT — stating that the state will, “Determine whether it improved the situation. If it improved it, we’ll keep it, if it doesn’t improve it, well go back to where we were.”

The governor also added that they will be providing timeframes in terms of travel.

Bhatt shares that the DOJ is handling investigations. He further explained his role — to work with RIDOT, locals, engineers, and national experts to get the bridge open again.

Engineers are currently working on reports, which will determine the bridge’s future.

There is no expected time frame for when the decision will be made.