The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that the Ten Mile River Bridges in East Providence will reopen to traffic tomorrow afternoon, Friday, November 16. Originally scheduled to reopen in late 2013, RIDOT worked with its contractor to reduce the closure to less than one year.
The bridges, which carry North Broadway over the Ten Mile River and another small stream, were closed late last year because of deterioration found during a scheduled inspection. Through a $2.8 million contract with D'Ambra Construction of Warwick, RIDOT completely replaced the superstructures on both bridges.
"We're pleased to open these bridges early for the residents and businesses that use North Broadway on a daily basis," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. "We appreciate the patience of the community and the efforts of D'Ambra Construction to accelerate this important work."
Built in the early 1960s, the old bridges were rated structurally deficient, and RIDOT was in the process of awarding a replacement contract when they were closed in December 2011. Based on the early closure and conversations with the community, the Department approached D'Ambra and asked for proposals to reduce the closure time. By negotiating an access agreement with the owners of the nearby Agawam Hunt Club and working on both bridges simultaneously, the project was completed in just one construction season.
The bridge replacement eliminates a lengthy detour for commercial traffic that was put into place when the bridge was posted at three tons in July 2011. Minor work may continue on the structures throughout the winter, with some landscaping work scheduled for early spring.
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 on Twitter and Facebook.
Contact: Bryan Lucier (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4012