The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung today announced the completion of work on the bridge spanning the Pawtuxet River in Pawtuxet Village.
The project included repair to the existing red brick sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. The Pawtuxet Village Association was instrumental in having the red brick walkways created many years ago. The repairs were accomplished by RIDOT's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division last week.
"The Department was pleased to be able to make these improvements quickly, improving both the aesthetic look of the bridge and village, and pedestrian safety," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said."
Spanning the cities of Cranston and Warwick, the bridge is a focal point for activities in the historic village of Pawtuxet. Pawtuxet is home to the annual Gaspee Days celebration that commemorates the 1772 burning of the HMS Gaspee is the waters of Narragansett Bay. The Burning of the Gaspee is considered the first armed battle in the American Revolution.
"Pawtuxet Village is an important part of Rhode Island and New England history," Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said. "We greatly appreciate RIDOT's efforts in making these improvements."
"The City of Cranston and the City of Warwick have a long history of working together on projects such as this," Cranston Mayor Allan Fung said. "It demonstrates the importance of local cooperation in working with state agencies such as RIDOT to make improvements, both large and small, to our communities."
RIDOT has coordinated with Warwick and Cranston to maintain the roads and bridges in the village and make various improvements. In 2000, RIDOT invested $344,000 through an enhancement project to create a more pedestrian-friendly village atmosphere. This was accomplished through the installation of traffic-calming measures, including widened sidewalks and elevated crosswalks that made it easier for residents and visitors to cross the street. Additionally, uniform street signs, period lighting and other amenities were added to the village's streets.
Warwick Ward One Councilman Steven Colantuono, Cranston Ward One Councilman Steven Stycos, State Senator Joshua Miller, and State Representative Joseph McNamara also coordinated with RIDOT and the cities in getting these repairs done.