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Timeline of the Washington Bridge closure: Here’s how it all happened

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Timeline of the Washington Bridge closure: Here’s how it all happened


If you’ve tried to get in and out of the East Bay the past two months, you’ve probably noticed – while in traffic – there’s a problem with the westbound span of the Washington Bridge, which takes Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River.

Understanding what went wrong with the bridge is challenging – the state has an army of engineers and consultants working on that now.

How did it happen? And how has it played out? Here’s a timeline:

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Friday Dec. 8: An engineer and a ‘critical finding’

Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, 1:40 p.m.: Andrew Prezioso, a structural engineer and team leader for bridge design contractor VHB, emails Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials with a “critical finding” on the bridge. At least two of the anchor rods securing the concrete spans cantilevered over the river have failed. Another two have narrowed significantly, a sign of stress.

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This video led to the shutdown of the Washington Bridge

This video, filmed by an engineer inspecting the bridge, shows the bouncing that led to RIDOT closing the westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge.

2:42 p.m.: RIDOT Managing Engineer Keith Gaulin responds in a group email: “Based on our phone conversation, it seems there are no immediate actions to be taken right at this moment as we try to determine other short and long-term solutions.”

He says it is unclear whether the damage is old or new and asks to set up a meeting Monday to discuss it further.

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Monday, Dec. 11: Shutdown of the bridge

Monday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m. – noon: Engineers from RIDOT and VHB are invited to a “Washington Bridge Critical Finding Discussion” virtual meeting. Prezioso shares a video of bridge beams “bouncing.” At some point on Monday afternoon RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. is briefed on the bridge and agrees with “the recommendation from the engineers that the bridge should be closed,” according to RIDOT spokesman Charles St. Martin.

2:52 p.m.: Alviti calls Gov. Dan McKee to tell him there is a problem with the bridge’s westbound span. “The director contacted the governor shortly after deciding to close the bridge,” St. Martin has said.

4:40 p.m.: An email alert is sent to Rhode Island news outlets saying Alviti “will host a press conference to discuss the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge due to the finding of a critical failure of some original bridge components from the 1960s.”

5 p.m.: At the news conference, at RIDOT headquarters on Capitol Hill, Alviti, the only senior official present, tells reporters the potential failure of old parts of the bridge are “such that it could potentially be the cause of a catastrophic failure” and that I-195 West is closed to traffic.

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5:30 p.m.: McKee makes previously scheduled visit to Hope High School basketball practice in Providence.

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Why Rhode Island closed half of the Washington Bridge

Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. explains why the state shut down half of the primary link between eastern and western Rhode Island.

Tuesday, Dec. 12: Catastrophic traffic

Tuesday, Dec, 12, 4:20 a.m.: Cheyenne Cazeault, policy advisor in McKee’s office, alerts state officials to conference call with municipal leaders that morning about the bridge. Morning commute times double, triple or more with the highway only open heading east.

11:30 a.m.: McKee joins Alviti and other officials for a news conference about the bridge closure. McKee calls it “an event that cannot be avoided and cannot be predicted.” Alviti says “we averted a major catastrophe.” Repairs are estimated to take three months.

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4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: The evening commute is worse than the morning, with drivers who crossed the river quickly in the morning now marooned going the other way as East Providence side streets gridlock with motorists trying to get to the Henderson Bridge as an alternative. Some guess it might be faster to drive north to I-95 in Pawtucket; others head south to the Pell Bridge in Newport.

Dec. 13–21: Emergency lanes open

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 5:56 p.m.: Pregnant women are advised not to try to cross the Seekonk to get to the hospital by car and instead to call an ambulance.

Friday Dec. 15, Before dawn: An emergency bypass allows two lanes of westbound traffic to use two lanes of the eastbound span, easing some the worst congestion and spreading it out more evenly to both directions.

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Watch reporters race to downtown Providence during bridge closure

Two reporters race to downtown Providence from East Providence City Hall to see what the best commuting option is.

Monday, Dec. 18: RIDOT tasks bridge consultant Michael Baker and its subcontractors to conduct a “forensic analysis” of the bridge’s condition and how it may have deteriorated. Separately, the Department of Administration hires another firm, McNary Bergeron, to review the forensic analysis and come to its own conclusion.

Thursday, Dec. 21, 6 a.m.: Ferry service from Bristol to Providence begins. Ridership is low.

Jan. 20–28: A federal investigation opens

Wednesday, Jan. 20.: Ferry service ends.

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Monday, Jan. 22: Alviti says engineers are still trying decide how best to repair the bridge and tearing it down can’t be ruled out.

Friday, Jan. 26, 10:20 a.m.: The U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island informs RIDOT it is investigating allegations of false claims for payment on the Washington Bridge and demands documents going back to January 2015. McKee’s office publicly announces the investigation at 6 p.m. and says he will be receiving direct updates from engineers on the repairs.

More: Feds probe alleged ‘false claims’ of work, inspections on Washington Bridge. What we know.

Earlier that morning, Alviti had told East Bay lawmakers that engineers might not have a plan to repair the bridge until the end of February, early March.

Monday, Jan. 28: McKee announces that he has dispatched top aide Joseph Almond to monitor the DOT’s response to the bridge closure.

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UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles Game Preview

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UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles Game Preview


Mick Cronin and the No. 12 UCLA Bruins officially tip off the highly-anticipated 2025-26 season against the Big Sky’s Eastern Washington Eagles.

Backed by UCLA’s star-studded transfer portal addition of Donovan Dent, the Bruins’ ceiling is higher than it’s been in recent season, and yet Westwood still has its fair share of doubters.

The Bruins also have some key returners, like Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark, who are all primed to elevate their games next to Dent.

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Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images / Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

With that being said, let’s get into our first UCLA men’s basketball preview of the season.

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UCLA is the start of EWU’s gauntlet non-conference schedule, which includes the Bruins, Washington State, Utah and No . 8 BYU.

The Eagles’ leading scorer from last season, Andrew Cook, returns this season. Cook averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

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Nov 21, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles guard Andrew Cook (9) controls the ball against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

This is the second time the Bruins are matching up with Eastern Washington all time. The last matchup came during the 2011-12 season when UCLA beat the Eagles 60-47 in the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

What: UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. (PT)
Where: Pauley Pavilion (Westwood, California)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: AM 790 (KABC)

1. Donovan Dent, PG

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Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Donovan Dent (2) shoots the ball over Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) in the second half during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

What more is there to say about Dent? The 2024-25 All-American was one of, if not the, most impactful transfers of the offseason, and he is poised to raise Cronin’s offensive ceiling this year.

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The elite playmaking guard showed flashes of his impact in UCLA’s two preseason exhibition games, where, despite struggling from the field, showed the poised scoring and facilitating ability that drew Cronin’s eyes to him.

Against an opponent like Eastern Washington, elite guards like Dent can really flex their guns. Look for Dent to set up his teammates more rather than trying to get his own bucket on Monday.

2. Eric Dailey Jr., Forward

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Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) drives to the basket against Utah State Aggies guard Dexter Akanno (7) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Dailey is one of UCLA’s most impactful returners, and he’s primed for a big season next to Dent. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 33 games last year, showing flashes of his potential as a scorer.

Ahead of this season, Dailey has been named to the 20-person watch list for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. Dailey’s scoring is integral to UCLA’s success. Last season, the Bruins were 16-2 when he scored at least 10 points in a game.

Dent elevates the players around him. Don’t be surprised if we see a leap year for Dailey.

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Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics!

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Nassau Class A field hockey championship: Massapequa vs. Port Washington

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Nassau Class A field hockey championship: Massapequa vs. Port Washington


Scenes from the Nassau Class A field hockey championship between Massapequa and Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

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Mia Holihan of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

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Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Tatum Brennan of Massapequa battles for possession with Lily Longaro of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa takes a shot on goal against Port Washington goalkeeper during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

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Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Sophia Bolognini, left, and Ella Van Nostrand of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

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Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

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Lily Longaro of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Lexi Raskin of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

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Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington battles for possession with Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

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Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Brooke Donnellan of Massapequa dribbles past a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

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Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Kali Humann of Massapequa battles for possession with the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

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Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa faces Lexi Raskin of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

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Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.

Credit: Kelvin Loarca

Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.



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Juvenile curfew declared in Washington DC; Mayor Muriel Bowser announces nighttime curfew after Halloween ruckus | Today News

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Juvenile curfew declared in Washington DC; Mayor Muriel Bowser announces nighttime curfew after Halloween ruckus | Today News


Juvenile curfew order was imposed in Washington DC on Saturday after Halloween evening misbehaviour. Executive Office of Washington DC Mayor on November 1 announced restrictions on movement of those below 18 during nighttime over the next few days, in the wake of disorderly behaviour in the past weeks.

The decision follows Halloween-related incidents where young people engaged in brawling, blocked streets and endangered public safety. “The behavior on Halloween evening – which included young people brawling, blocking streets, and moving into commercial establishments in large groups, endangering both themselves and others in the area – follows several weekends of similar behavior by youth in neighborhoods across the District,” the notice issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser states.

Curfew time: From 11:00 PM till 6:00 AM

Curfew last date: November 5

‘All juveniles are subject to a curfew’

Muriel Bowser in a post on X stated, “We are declaring a limited juvenile curfew in Washington, DC. Effective immediately, all juveniles under the age of 18 are subject to a curfew from 11PM until 6AM, which will extend through 11/5.”

Clarifying the reason for the curfew, Muriel Bowser added, “This is in response to several weeks of disorderly juvenile behavior which endangered both themselves and others.”

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This comes after five youth were arrested on October 31 by the police and one officer suffered minor injuries. Besides the curfew, the police will designate special zones which are at high risk for disorderly conduct. These locations will have longer curfew times, beginning as early as 6:00 PM.

Furthermore, the notice warns the youths against declaration of temporary curfew zone in case of a group gathering of more than seven youth citing threat to “safety of the youth, residents, or the public.”

List of Special Juvenile Curfew Zones

On Saturday night, Chief of Police Pamela A Smith announced several of the above mentioned “Special Juvenile Curfew Zones” as specified here:

  • Navy Yard
  • near the U Street Coridor
  • Banneker Recreation Center near Howard University
  • Union Station

The Navy Yard juvenile curfew zones covers the stretch between Interstate 695 and the Anacostia River on the north and south. It covers the area between 8th Street SE in the east and South Capitol in the west, FOX5 reported

The designated zone near the U Street Corridor covers the stretch between 9th Street NW and Florida Avenue in the east and 15th Street from T Street to V Street NW in the west. It covers the area between V Street and Vermont Avenue NW in the north and T Street NW in the south.

The zone at Banneker Recreation Center stretches between Georgia Avenue NW and 9th Street NW to the east and west. It covers the area between Euclid Street NW and W Street NW to the north and south.

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The zone at Union Station covers the stretch 3rd Street NE and North Capitol Street NE to the east and west. It covers the area between H Street NE and D Street NE to the north and south.



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