Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) have announced that the next repair project for road damage caused by Hurricane Sandy is now underway on Ocean Drive in the City of Newport. As part of the repair project, a portion of the road is anticipated to be closed for approximately three weeks for seawall reconstruction, effective today.
"We have committed to the citizens of this State to do all we can to quickly repair our roadway infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Sandy," said Governor Lincoln D. Chafee. "With RIDOT's help and that of the State's skilled contractors, we are able to do that sooner than later – and put Rhode Islanders to work. I remain grateful for the funding made available by the Obama Administration that will help support this and other important repair projects."
Through a $1.4 million contract with HK&S Construction of Newport, RIDOT will repair segments of Ocean Drive from the Brenton Point parking area to Goose Neck Cove. The seawall along Ocean Drive and the adjacent shoulders around two small culverts were severely damaged due to the high surf generated by the hurricane. Repairs will focus on the seawall, sidewalks, curbing and drainage system.
"This particular project focuses on repairs to the supporting roadway system, not just the pavement itself," said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis. "We are targeting to return the roadway to the City before the end of the year."
During the repair project, the recommended detour is to follow Harrison Avenue to Castle Hill Avenue and then back to Ocean Drive.
A portion of the project's costs will be funded by the Federal government, including $3 million of quick release emergency relief funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation on October 30.
RIDOT's goal is to complete as much work on storm-damaged State roads as possible before winter. On November 3, RIDOT began repairs to the seawall and sidewalk on Ocean Road in Narragansett. Repairs to Block Island's Corn Neck Road began on November 17. Two other repair projects for Poppasquash Road in Bristol and Conanicus Avenue in Jamestown are set to begin soon and conclude by early next year.
Contact: Heidi Gudmundson (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4009