The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is building on its recent successful installation of the Barton Corner Bridge on I-95 in Warwick by replacing a highway on-ramp in East Providence using accelerated techniques. Construction on the Warren Avenue Bridge, which carries Veterans Memorial Parkway to I-195 West, begins on October 17, 2014.
Through a $2.9 million contract, Aetna Bridge Company of Warwick has begun assembling portions of the bridge deck along Warren Avenue. At the same time, precast sections of the bridge's foundation are being fabricated at a separate facility. This will allow the entire project to be completed in approximately one month versus a full construction season with conventional construction.
To complete this work, the bridge is scheduled to be closed from October 17 to November 15. During this time, there will also be two weekend closures of Exit 5 on I-195 East. Warren Avenue at the bridge will also be closed while we demolish the old ramp and install the new one.
While some congestion and delays are expected, precautions are being taken to make sure that they are minimal. Signed detours will be in place during all closures, and police details will help direct travelers to their destination.
Travel impacts over the closure period include:
Friday, October 17 - Saturday, November 15: Closure of the Warren Avenue Bridge, which carries traffic from Veterans Memorial Parkway to I-195 West. During this closure, motorists on Veterans Memorial Parkway can use Lyon Avenue, South Broadway or Pawtucket Avenue to detour to other on-ramps for I-195.
Friday, October 17 - Monday, October 20: Warren Avenue at the bridge, between Purchase Street and 1st Street, will be closed for bridge demolition. At the same time, Exit 5 (Warren Avenue) on I-195 East will be closed. Local detours include using Veterans Memorial Parkway and Lyon Avenue for eastbound traffic and Taunton Avenue and Valley Street for westbound traffic. Interstate traffic should detour using Exit 6 (Broadway).
Friday, October 31 - Monday, November 3: Warren Avenue at the bridge, between Purchase Street and 1st Street, will be closed for bridge installation. At the same time, Exit 5 (Warren Avenue) on I-195 East will be closed. Local detours include using Veterans Memorial Parkway and Lyon Avenue for eastbound traffic and Taunton Avenue and Valley Street for westbound traffic. Interstate traffic should detour using Exit 6 (Broadway).
Saturday, November 15: Warren Avenue Bridge scheduled to reopen to traffic. All construction activities and schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Similar to the Barton Corner Bridge, the new Warren Avenue Bridge is being built off-site in two sections and placed into position when ready. For safety purposes, the public is discouraged from watching the demolition and bridge installation, which will take place over several hours. Live camera feeds will be available on RIDOT's website to allow people to watch online.
The public will be informed in advance of any traffic changes that take place in this area; this includes alerts on electronic message boards – as well as updates being posted to the department's Facebook (www.facebook.com/RIDOTNews) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RIDOTNews) pages. For schedule information, detour maps and a link to a live camera feed to view the bridge moves, visit www.dot.ri.gov/projects.
Built in 1959, the Warren Avenue Bridge is in a state of advanced deterioration. Timber supports have been installed along the structure's piers to maintain traffic loads until the bridge could be replaced. Approximately 8,700 vehicles cross this bridge daily.
Media interested in covering the bridge demolition or placement of the bridge should contact Rose Amoros at 222-1362, Ext. 4450 or 261-2159 to arrange for a safe viewing location.