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R.I. Governor McKee to hold briefing on Providence’s Washington Bridge closure and repairs – The Boston Globe

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R.I. Governor McKee to hold briefing on Providence’s Washington Bridge closure and repairs – The Boston Globe


In a series of news conferences Wednesday, state officials provided key updates on the closure of the westbound lanes of the bridge that carries Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River between East Providence and Providence.

What to know about the Washington Bridge shutdown in Providence
WATCH: The sudden closure triggered a traffic nightmare and forced students to go remote. Reporter Steph Machado describes the impact and potential solutions.

Rods bracing the bridges cracked and ultimately severed, forcing the closure of the westbound side, officials said. The span was at risk of collapse.

Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. on Wednesday showed two before and after photos taken of the rods during a routine inspection in July and from a few days ago. In July, the rods were solid and in one piece. In December, one was severed near the base, and the other was cracked. (The full inspection report from July was released later Wednesday afternoon.)

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“I hope that this dispels the rumors and fearmongering that’s going on, that goes to the issue of whether or not we’re hiding something or things should have been known,” Alviti said. “The fact of the matter is our inspection reports in July showed these as being stable structures, and something catastrophic happened between July and now. Don’t know whether it was a large load that may have driven over it that imposed a shear force.”

Photos included in the Washington Bridge weekend report RI DOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. referred to during his press conference Tuesday, Nov. 12, show steel rods that brace the bridge had sheared. – (R.I. Department of Transportation)R.I. Department of Transportation

He has ruled out damage caused by ongoing construction on the eastbound bridge structure, and said that the rods were part of the original bridge structure when it was built in 1968, and had reached the end of their life span.

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Alviti added Wednesday that officials expect to open two emergency bypass lanes this weekend on the eastbound side of the bridge, to allow westbound traffic to get moving again.

“We have made considerable progress in the last day,” Alviti said. “I know we had projected one week or two weeks out. I am happy to say we have a high confidence level of completing it by this weekend. That should bring the travel times down, not to where they were prior to this emergency, but closer to it.”

In addition, Alviti said ferry service between Bristol and Providence could start up in a week or so. The 500-passenger ferry would travel from one of two potential sites in Bristol to the summer ferry landing spot at India Point in Providence, he said.

The department is also working with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to provide shuttle services between parking lots at the ferry landing and Kennedy Plaza and the Providence train station, said Alviti.

East Providence schools, which shifted to remote instruction Wednesday because of traffic jams throughout the city, are resuming in-person classes Thursday, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

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State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green told reporters Wednesday that the traffic jams have affected not just East Providence students but also those traveling to private schools, charter schools, special education programs, and career and technical education programs in the area.

Out of our 300 school bus routes statewide, 62 have been impacted by the bridge closure, and of those, 23 had experienced “more of the severe delay” on Tuesday, Infante-Green said. But that number was reduced on Wednesday, she said. “So we’re happy to announce that,” she said. “We thank the parents for being patient and understanding.”

The broken and damaged rods were noticed by a young engineer working on the demolition of an old bridge deck nearby — not during a routine inspection.

“Fortunately, [the damage] was more of a gradual kind of domino effect,” Alviti said. “As the structure weakened, the other pins on it failed.” However, he continued, “it didn’t cause a cataclysmic failure of the bridge decks falling into the river, and vehicles falling into the river below, and having that kind of casualties that they have had in other locations.”

Alviti said that RIDOT has rebuilt 300 bridges in the last seven years, when Rhode Island bridges were rated the worst in the country. He said that RIDOT has a regular and accelerated inspection and reinspection each year and a special bridge unit in maintenance.

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“We are not only rebuilding them, and learning from this kind of thing, and rebuilding them in a different way, where this in the future will not happen to those bridges, but we’ve also put in place an effective maintenance force that will keep them from deteriorating like they did during the last 50 years,” he said.

It’s not just Rhode Island commuters frustrated by the sudden closure of the bridge, said Congressman Jake Auchincloss, a Newton, Mass., Democrat.

“The closure of the Washington Bridge on I-195 is a major disruption for Bay Staters traveling to Providence, making commutes longer and limiting access to one of the biggest cities in New England,” Auchincloss tweeted Wednesday at 4:23 p.m., just as rush hour was kicking into gear. “I’ll continue to work with @USDOT to get the bridge re-opened ASAP.”

Also Wednesday, Rhode Island state House Oversight Committee Chairperson Patricia A. Serpa, a West Warwick Democrat, she had received a couple of request from East Bay representatives asking the committee to bring Alviti or his staff in to discuss the bridge situation. She said that she’d like the committee to address the matter, but that this might not be best time to pull away the officials who are dealing with the bridge problem.

“If we are going to take the people who are charged with solving this problem away from this work, I don’t know if this is the right time to do it. Let them get it done,” Serpa said. “Let it play out. There will be plenty of time for who did what, when. We will follow up on this at the right time.”

Serpa led the House Oversight committee’s analysis of the botched UHIP benefit rollout in 2016 – which caused a massive backlog of applications for food stamp and health benefits – and drew parallels between that crisis and the bridge debacle.

“It’s like we are always doing things after the fact in this state — that is why people get so frustrated,” she said. “It’s UHIP on wheels. Here we go again.”

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Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report. This breaking news story will be updated.


Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com.





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Rhode Island

2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire

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2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire


CRANSTON, RI — Two dogs died in a house fire in Cranston early Thursday morning, according to fire officials.

The fire started at a home on Poplar Drive just before 4 a.m. According to fire officials, no one was home during the fire, except for the two dogs.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Find out what’s happening in Cranstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.

Find out what’s happening in Cranstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.



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Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled

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Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled


If last year’s men’s basketball standings are any guide, it will be a testing Atlantic 10 road for the University of Rhode Island in 2024-25. 

The Rams will visit both regular season co champions, the conference tournament winner and another team that won 21 games overall for single matchups. They’ll also play home-and-home with two other 20-game winners. 

Richmond, Loyola Chicago, Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s all await URI at dates and times to be determined. Massachusetts and George Mason will host the Rams and visit the Ryan Center at some point next year. 

More: After disappointing season ends, what’s next for Rhode Island basketball?

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The Spiders and Ramblers both closed 15-3 in conference play while the Dukes ended an NCAA Tournament drought that stretched to 1977. They sent coach Keith Dambrot into retirement with an upset run through Barclays Center in March, leaving Brooklyn with an automatic ticket punched to March Madness. The Hawks followed a strong nonconference performance with just a 9-9 league finish, but they should remain among the favorites entering media day in the fall. 

The Minutemen and Patriots were part of a tight middle pack behind the leaders. Six teams finished within two games of one another — UMass tied with VCU at 11-7 while George Mason closed even with Saint Joseph’s and St. Bonaventure. URI counts the Minutemen among its oldest rivals, with the first meeting between the two schools taking place in January 1908. 

Saint Louis is the lone solo road trip for the Rams next season, and it could be a tough one. Josh Schertz is in from Indiana State to replace Travis Ford and has brought a host of Sycamore connections with him, including assistant coach and Rhode Island native Antone Gray. URI fell to the Billikens at the conference tournament last season to close a 12-20 campaign. 

Fordham and La Salle are the other two home-and-home partners for the Rams next season. The short trips to New York and Philadelphia should be competitive — URI went 2-2 against those two opponents last season, defeating the Explorers at home and winning at Rose Hill Gym in March. 

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Dayton, VCU, the Bonnies, Davidson and George Washington travel to Kingston for single games. The Rams beat the Wildcats on the road as part of a 3-0 league start last season and blew out the Revolutionaries on the road. The Flyers offered a rude homecoming for Archie Miller, defeating their former coach by a comfortable margin in a place where he reached an Elite Eight and four NCAA Tournaments from 2014-17.  

URI has confirmed at least one other game on its schedule next year. The Rams will host Providence for the annual in-state grudge match on Dec. 7. The Friars have won three straight in the series, including an 84-69 home victory last season.   

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25 



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Olivia Culpo the bikini bride! WAG shows off her incredible figure in a blue bikini with fiance Christian McCaffrey as they frolic at the beach ahead of Rhode Island nuptials

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Olivia Culpo the bikini bride! WAG shows off her incredible figure in a blue bikini with fiance Christian McCaffrey as they frolic at the beach ahead of Rhode Island nuptials


Olivia Culpo flaunted her incredible figure in a stylish bikini with fiance, Christian McCaffrey, as they enjoyed time at the beach in Rhode Island on Tuesday ahead of their nuptials. 

The former Miss Universe winner, 32 – who recently signed a marriage license with the NFL player, 28, before their wedding ceremony – was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection. 

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees. 

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Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders.  

Olivia Culpo, 32, flaunted her incredible figure in a stylish bikini with fiance, Christian McCaffrey, 28, as they enjoyed time at the beach in Rhode Island on Tuesday ahead of their nuptials

The former Miss Universe winner was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles

The former Miss Universe winner was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist. 

Olivia chose to go barefoot while strolling along the sandy shore, and was seen holding her cute pup in her arms who also joined in on the summer fun. 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks. 

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun. 

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Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet. 

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart. 

Both Culpo and McCaffrey paused for a few memorable photos outside of the luxurious jet next to large letters that read, ‘Mr & Mrs’ as well as an assortment of balloons. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

Culpo - who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 - added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders

Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist

Olivia chose to go barefoot while strolling along the sandy shore, and was seen holding her cute pup in her arms who also joined in on the summer fun

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist

She soon reunited with her sister while walking on the sandy shore during the relaxing beach day

She soon reunited with her sister while walking on the sandy shore during the relaxing beach day 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh

Their pup was also seen close by to the couple as they talked to each other

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane. 

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Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior. 

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats. 

The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo’s home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials. 

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun.’ 

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’ 

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And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day. 

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality - who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers - jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: 'Let it begin,' followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats

The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo's home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, 'Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun

Another added, 'Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!' while one penned, 'Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!'

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day

The sisters were seen talking as they strolled next to each other to take a rest near the water

The sisters were seen talking as they strolled next to each other to take a rest near the water

The model additionally wore a pair of chic pumps and added a hat on top of her head that contained a short, netted veil that was placed in front of her face. 

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath. 

The two were pictured walking down steps hand-in-hand in front of what appeared to be a courthouse. They also took other candid snaps while standing outside of a yellow-painted house. 

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Earlier this year in March, Culpo opened up about her wellness routine while preparing for their wedding. 

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year,  and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News. 

In regards to herself, she said, ‘Things are definitely changing. During the season I feel like it’s really hard to have a stable routine.’ 

The model explained that she is trying ‘to dial in [on] what I eat, how I workout, the workouts that I do.’

‘Trying to get them in consistently because you only get married once and I want to feel my best. But this past season it was just hard being so far away from my normal routine and where I typically live.’

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The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath

The San Francisco 49ers player was also seen soaking up the summer sun during the day on the shore

The San Francisco 49ers player was also seen soaking up the summer sun during the day on the shore 

Culpo's sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun

She was seen splashing in the waves to cool down in the summer heat

She was seen splashing in the waves to cool down in the summer heat 

'Christian's definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year, and taking all the time he needs to do that,' she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year, and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News

While McCaffrey played during the busy NFL season, she expressed that there is ‘a lot of traveling back and forth’ in order for her to ‘be there to support him.’ 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian. 

‘Obviously my groom. He definitely has to be there. He’s a non-negotiable,’ she expressed. 

‘Groom, family, great weather. Actually, you know what? I’m going to leave the weather part out because whatever happens, happens.’ 

Culpo also added, ‘I love champagne, so I need to have a good champagne. I love tequila. Great food and then great friends and good energy. Just fun times.’

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Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time. 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a 'non-negotiable' for the big day is Christian

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time

She uploaded a series of black and white photos, including the moment that McCaffrey got down on one knee to propose. 

The model held a shock and excited expression on her face, and after saying yes, the couple sweetly embraced. Another close-up snap showed the eye-catching diamond sparkler on her finger from Ring Concierge. 

Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, opened up to People last year about designing the special ring with McCaffrey. 

‘We worked with Christian to thoughtfully design a ring that encompassed Olivia’s trendsetting style while still remaining timeless – a beautifully cut Oval flanked with Epaulette side stones in a handcrafted gold and platinum setting.’

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