Second phase of project will transition traffic to newly constructed bridge
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced new traffic pattern changes on the Big River Bridge which is the section of Route 3 (Nooseneck Hill Road) that passes over the Big River in West Greenwich about a half mile south of the I-95 Exit 6 Interchange. Work has been in progress since May of 2018 as RIDOT reduced the four-lane bridge to two lanes, closed the northbound side and created two-way traffic on the southbound side.
The new shift will move northbound traffic from the two-way traffic side to a newly constructed part of the bridge on the northbound side starting on August 27, 2019 for seven to 10 days. Southbound traffic will remain on the old half of the bridge.
Following this traffic shift, RIDOT will finalize the construction associated with the initial phase of work. In early September, all traffic will be using the new bridge while RIDOT begins work on replacing the half where two-way traffic had been moved earlier.
RIDOT is replacing this structurally deficient bridge in phases. Traffic volumes on this stretch of Route 3 are low - approximately 5,900 vehicles per day - and there have been no delays associated with the temporary travel lane reduction.
As part of this $4 million project, RIDOT is demolishing portions of the bridge and rehabilitating its concrete arch. In place of the heavily deteriorated concrete parapet walls, RIDOT is using ornamental four-bar bridge railings, better suited to meet today's safety standards. The project also includes minor drainage improvements, paving and striping.
Although work will take place under the bridge, river passage will be maintained for recreational users. All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
The Big River 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.