PROVIDENCE — In the past week contractors for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation began demolition of parapet walls along both sides of the westbound portion of the Washington Bridge.

The work, being done by Aetna Bridge Co. after the Warwick-based outfit submitted the winning bid of $45.7 million for the demo project, is expected to continue through at least the end of September.

Due to the demolition, RIDOT closed the Gano Street, from India Street to the Interstate 195 West on-ramp under the under the bridge. The closures were supposed to be in effect through Thursday night, Sept. 12, from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lane closures on I-195 overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., between the Providence River Bridge and the Washington Bridge were also necessitated for a time during the early stages of the demo.

RIDOT also alerted motorists the India Street off ramp (Exit 1A) on I-195 East and the on-ramp to I-195 East from South Main Street may also need to be closed overnight during the week. These closures are for electrical work for a new weigh-in-motion system that will help monitor the eastbound bridge’s structural health.

Additionally, lane closures are possible Thursday night, Sept. 12, on I-195 between I-95 and Exit 1D for bridge maintenance from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. for monthly preventative maintenance checks of the eastbound bridge.