PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Over the next two weeks, the R.I. Department of Transportation will be working to install a new system to monitor the Washington Bridge. Overnight work began Friday on the eastbound side of the bridge and will continue from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Detours will also be placed near Gano Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Crews will be installing electrical cabinets associated with the Structural Health Monitoring system as well as electrical conduits. RIDOT says these will help constantly monitor the structural health of the bridge. "All of this work is part of our ongoing effort to have a high level of maintenance on this bridge," RIDOT said in a release. "We are doing work proactively to provide a positive measure of safety." Those traveling during those hours should expect to see a slowdown when crossing the bridge. Holiday Travel: What to know before you hit the road On the westbound side of the bridge, there are plans to build a new off-ramp into East Providence. This is something Mayor Bob DaSilva says has been in the works for some, and will help alleviate traffic. "We believe there will be greater connectivity to some former parcels that have laid dormant for decades," DaSilva said. "We're working with the property owners to hopefully develop some of them, one of them being the concert venue we're looking to build on the waterfront." The two finalists selected to rebuild the westbound bridge will work with the state over the next six months to draft their plans. Officials say they hope to select a company next June. NEXT: RI releases new draft RFP for Washington Bridge rebuild Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW