PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, at what is for the moment a scheduled daily update on the crisis, said two bypass lanes on the east side of the Washington Bridge heading west will for sure be open by the weekend, if not sooner.

Speaking Thursday, Dec. 14, shortly after noon time, Alviti said work on the bypass just onto the bridge from East Providence has progressed at a rapid pace.

As of the press conference, he said barriers are being put into place, one lane has already been paved and the second is being completed Thursday.

Alviti said the necessary striping and signage will be put into place overnight December 14 into Friday with the aim of a Saturday morning, Dec. 16, opening of the lanes.

The director said, however, there is a distinct possibility the bypass could be operational at some point on December 15, which could start the easing of congestion on ingress and egress roads both in Providence and East Providence.

"Everything we're doing here is to restore the conveniences to get people's lives back to where they were before this event," said Alviti, who added from Governor Dan McKee to himself down the chain of authority are "pressuring" each other to perform tasks "sooner and faster."

As for the reconstruction of the actual westbound structure itself, the director said the necessary materials to make the repairs are more readily available than previously expected, which should aid in getting it back open in the estimated three month period.

Another way the state is trying to alleviate some traffic snarls is by putting three ferries in service to and from Providence and Bristol. The aim remains to have the service start early next week.

Alviti said 500 passengers an hour can be accommodated in each direction. Also RIPTA will run a shuttle service from India Point Park to Kennedy Plaza and the train station in Providence and in Bristol from the dock at Thames Street to a parking area at Colt State Park.

The ferry service will run 6 a.m.-7 p.m. with the possibility of being extended in either time direction if necessary.

During his remarks, McKee credited the state Emergency Management Agency and director Marc Pappas with getting traffic amelioration equipment — cameras and digital message boards — delivered to and operating at key locations in both East Providence and Providence.

The governor, as well, accepted that some missteps may have occurred in the lead up to the closure on Monday, Dec. 11, and said he and his administration would be open and cooperative during a review of their response.

"I know oversight is on the lips of many, and we embrace that," McKee said, adding, "at the state level or federal level whatever oversight that sheds light on how we got here and how we can continue to create safety for the people of Rhode Island, we welcome that."

The governor said what he would like from the public would be for observers to "keep an open mind...don't jump to conclusions." He also urged critics not to "get personal" in their remarks, especially at this early stage of the process.

McKee said he expects the reviews to follow the same standard as those conducted after any emergency occurs.

He continued, "It's always important to have independent experts as part of the process."

Later in the press conference, McKee added, "The public should know the decision (to close the westbound side) was made correctly and the work that has transpired since has been done correctly."

East Providence notes

Specific to East Providence, Mayor Bob DaSilva spoke briefly. In addition to RIEMA, he noted RIDOT had made available some 40 vehicles and personnel combined to help with setting up more detours around the city.

In consultation with East Providence Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra Forand, he said in-person attendance with early dismissal returned Thursday without significant issue and would continue into Friday, Dec. 15. Students took study remotely on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Economic impact thoughts

As for the economic impact of the bridge crisis, both the governor and the mayor urged patrons around the state and in the East Providence area to continue to support small businesses by not cancelling plans, like any appointments, holiday parties, etc.

Offering up brief remarks in support of the assertion, US Small Business Administration District Director Mark Hayward said well over 90 percent of businesses in Rhode Island are considered "small" by most industry standards and that holiday sales account for a significant amount of their annual revenue.