The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is one step closer to finalizing its repairs at the Clarence L. Hussey Memorial Bridge in Wickford, as the bridge's second and final closure is scheduled to occur from Tuesday, September 6, 2016 through Tuesday, November 15, 2016.
The bridge, which dates back to 1925, carries approximately 13,600 vehicles per day on Route 1A (Boston Neck Road) over Wickford Cove. The project involves two bridge closures, the first from April 1-June 4, 2016. The closures were incorporated into the construction contract to help RIDOT expedite the work and complete repairs prior to Winter 2017. Bridge detours are available at http://www.dot.ri.gov/detourmaps.
"We are one-step closer to finalizing our repairs to the Hussey Bridge," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. "Through this closure, we're able to maintain our schedule while we work to restore and return this historic bridge to the Town of North Kingstown."
Through a $3.2 million project, which includes a $2.1 million bridge rehabilitation contract, including incentives, and a budget contingency of $100,000, RIDOT is working to maintain as much of the historical elements of the Clarence L. Hussey Memorial Bridge as possible, including the concrete through arch and its railings. All steel components above the water surface are being painted a graphite color to match the original, and all concrete surfaces are receiving a special mineral coating that is designed to better withstand the natural elements. The project also features pedestrian-specific safety enhancements, including sidewalk, roadway, and railing repairs.
Since the first closure period, RIDOT has replaced the rivets with bolts at the floor beam connection plates (since they had exceeded their capacity); cleaned, repaired and painted the floor beams; and pointed and grouted behind the bridge abutments. During the closure period, crews will continue working on the bridge, including replacing bridge joints; cleaning, power washing, and applying paint at the arches; finalizing concrete and steel repairs; and applying the final coats of paint to the steel components, sidewalk rail, lattice and floor beams. The project remains on schedule, with final completion anticipated for June 2017.
Contact: Charles St. Martin (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4007
