Part of East Bay Bike Path closing Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Sunday is the last day cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the East Bay Bike Path on the bridge connecting Providence and East Providence.

Beginning Monday state transportation officials are closing the portion of the path that runs over the old Washington Bridge. The closure is expected to last about two years.

The state is building a much wider bikeway and linear park with a separate pedestrian walkway and scenic overlooks.

Transportation Director Michael Lewis concedes the closure will be an inconvenience, especially for bike commuters. But he says the project will replace a sub-standard bridge that doesn't even have room for two bikers or walkers to pass simultaneously.

No formal detour is planned. Cyclists can cross the Seekonk River on the Henderson Bridge.