The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that beginning on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, it will temporarily reduce the number of travel lanes on a portion of Route 2 (Reservoir Avenue) in Cranston from four to two because of the rehabilitation of the Pocasset River Bridge, located between Garden City and Route 12 (Park Avenue). The restriction will be in place until Fall 2013.
Motorists already have encountered daytime lane closures on weekdays for utility work and other advance construction prior to work on the bridge itself. Those traveling through the area are advised to allow extra time, especially during peak travel times, and reduce speed and drive carefully through the work zone.
The 86-year-old span was last rehabilitated in 1950, and is currently considered structurally deficient with a weight restriction for two-, three- and five-axle vehicles of 15, 20 and 30 tons, respectively. Through a $2.9 million contract with Cardi Corporation, the Department will demolish and replace the bridge deck and make numerous other improvements to the structure.
The work will be done in phases, with one lane open in each direction on Reservoir Avenue on the existing southbound lanes while RIDOT works on the part of the bridge that normally carries northbound traffic. In Spring 2013, the traffic pattern will shift with all traffic relocated to the newly reconstructed northbound lanes. At least one lane of travel will be maintained in each direction at all times, and access to local businesses near the bridge will be maintained.
Those 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 will be available on RIDOT's social media sites on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Blogger.
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Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362, Ext. 4007