The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that work is scheduled to begin next week for the full replacement of the Pine Street Bridge in Pawtucket. The bridge will be closed for four months, starting on Monday, June 11. It carries northbound traffic on Pine Street between Marrin Street and Cedar Street over the I-95 corridor.
This structurally deficient bridge is in an advanced state of deterioration and is supported by wooden timbers. In order to safely demolish the old bridge and install the components for its replacement, RIDOT will conduct a series of overnight highway closures for I-95 North and South at Exit 27. The closures will be scheduled when traffic volumes are at their lowest, between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. The anticipated closure schedule is as follows:
* June 11, 12 and 14: I-95 North only
* June 19, 20 and 24: I-95 South only
Nightly lane closures will be needed after 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Additional highway closures will be needed in August. All closure information will be posted to RIDOT's website at www.ridot.net/traveladvisories.
During the highway closures, all traffic will use Exit 27 and follow a short detour route using city streets running parallel to the highway to reach the next on-ramp to get back onto I-95. Local traffic detouring around the Pine Street Bridge closure can use Marrin Street to George Street to Cedar Street. Detour maps are available at www.ridot.net/detourmaps.
At all times, motorists traveling through this part of I-95 should be aware of lanes shifting to the left for both northbound and southbound traffic.
As part of this project, RIDOT must temporarily close the commuter parking lot along Marrin Street, between Garden Street and Pine Street. The lot will remain closed for the duration of the bridge closure. Another commuter lot is available one block to the east at the corner of Marrin Street and George Street.
RIDOT will use accelerated bridge construction methods to expedite the construction.
All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Final completion of the project is scheduled for late Spring 2019.
The $9.3 million Pine Street Bridge Project was made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
Contact: Charles St. Martin
401-222-1362 x4007
401-641-8934
