The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will temporarily close Exit 5 (Route 138, Main Road) on Route 24 North in Tiverton on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The closure is needed to allow construction to move forward on Route 24 to align the highway with the new Sakonnet River Bridge.
During the closure, motorists can reverse direction using Exit 6 (Fish Road) to Route 24 South. Exit 5 will remain open for traffic on Route 24 South.
RIDOT expects the closure to remain in place for approximately four to six weeks. At that time, in late July, RIDOT intends to shift traffic on Route 24 North to the new Sakonnet River Bridge. Construction will then continue. Route 24 South traffic will shift to the new bridge later in 2012.
All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Through a $163.7 million contract with Cardi Corporation, RIDOT is completely replacing the Sakonnet River Bridge, which is structurally deficient and carries an 18-ton weight limit. As segments of Route 24 are shifted to the new span, the weight limit will be lifted.
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 Twitter and Facebook.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362, Ext. 4007
