Washington Trust, the largest bank headquartered in Rhode Island, today announced its plans to open its third branch office in Cranston, Rhode Island. The new branch will be located on the site of the former Tim Horton's shop at 2174 Plainfield Pike in Cranston, near Comstock Parkway and Interstate 295. Scheduled to open mid-summer 2012, the facility is currently undergoing renovations. Upon completion, the 3,600 square foot branch will feature the latest conveniences and technology to meet the banking needs of local depositors, homeowners, businesses, and borrowers. The interior of the full-service branch will feature four teller stations, two customer service areas, management offices, a safe deposit box vault and a walk-up ATM. Exterior conveniences include two-lane drive up banking lanes, a night deposit safe and a drive-up ATM.

"Washington Trust has had tremendous success with our Cranston branches on Reservoir and Oaklawn Avenues," stated Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "We're excited to bring our community banking services to residents and businesses in the western Cranston area."

The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.9 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including personal banking, commercial and small business banking, as well as wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Washington Trust has 18 branches throughout Rhode Island and Connecticut. The Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Elizabeth B. Eckel, 401-348-1309
Senior Vice President,
Marketing and Investor Relations
ebeckel@washtrust.com