The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that it will close the State-owned Mussey Brook Bridge in Lincoln for repairs, effective this evening, March 12, 2013. A recent inspection found that some of the arch stones were loose on the approximately 100-year-old bridge, which carries Old River Road over the Mussey Brook.
"While we regret the inconvenience for the Town of Lincoln, safety is paramount," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. "The Department is working to get a contractor assigned to this bridge to further assess damage and determine the extent of the repairs with the goal of reopening it as quickly as possible."
Limiting the Department's ability to inspect the bridge are high water conditions on the Mussey Brook because of last week's storm and melting snow. Additional rains forecast for Tuesday night may further impede efforts to inspect, evaluate and repair the structure.
A detour route will be established using Mussey Brook Road, New River Road and Manville Avenue. A detour map will be posted on the Department's website at www.dot.ri.gov/travelri/detourmaps.asp.
Motorists with questions can contact RIDOT's Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information can be found on RIDOT's social media sites Twitter and Facebook.
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Contact: Bryan Lucier 401-222-1362, Ext. 4012