An anticipated third travel lane on the westbound side of the Washington Bridge will open Friday evening.
Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti made the announcement Tuesday and says the opening comes about one week ahead of schedule.
The eastbound span of the bridge has been handling traffic in both directions since the separate westbound side was closed in December and must be replaced.
There will be three lanes of traffic going in each direction with the opening of a new lane.
The speed limit on the bridge has also been reduced to 40 miles per hour.
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