The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is closing the First Barberville Bridge this afternoon. The bridge carries Arcadia Road over the Wood River on the Hopkinton-Richmond line. A recent inspection found damage related to the intense flooding conditions this past March.
The bridge will be closed for approximately two weeks for repairs. Some areas of the river bottom around the bridge’s abutments were undermined by the swift currents during the flood. This bridge – along with all spans across major rivers in Rhode Island – was continuously monitored during the floods in March for any sign of deterioration. The bridge showed no visual signs of deterioration at that time or as the flood waters receded.
During the bridge repair, motorists will be directed to use a signed detour using Skunk Hill Road, Route 3 (Nooseneck Hill Road) and Route 165 (Ten Rod Road).
Motorists with questions can contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information will be available on RIDOT’s website (www.dot.ri.gov) and its social media sites on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Blogger.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007
