Governor Dan McKee says he was not informed about problems with the Washington Bridge until more than 72 hours after its discovery.
Recently released emails show the Rhode Island Department of Transportation first learned of serious structural issues with the westbound span of the bridge on December 8th, but no immediate action was required.
RIDOT Director Peter Alviti says he did not know until the 11th, the same day the span was shut down.
Governor Dan McKee confirmed Alviti told him not long after, and added he knew of no problems with the bridge until then.
McKee decided to close that side of the bridge and says since then he feels state officials have handled the shutdown well.
(Photo by Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images)
Photo: Sascha Schuermann / Getty Images News / Getty Images