The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that it is making repairs to the Hamlet Avenue Bridge, which carries Route 122 (Hamlet Avenue) over the Blackstone River in Woonsocket.
The Hamlet Avenue Bridge is classified as structurally deficient, with the majority of its beams being supported by temporary shoring towers. Through a $2.8 million bridge rehabilitation project, including a budget contingency of $140,000, RIDOT will make concrete and steel repairs to eliminate the deficiencies, avoiding the need for more costly repairs or bridge weight limits in the future. The Hamlet Avenue Bridge was built in 1959 and it carries approximately 19,900 vehicles per day.
During the first phase of the project, RIDOT has temporarily reduced the number of travel lanes on the bridge and shifted traffic lanes, with one lane of travel open in each direction. Motorists should plan extra travel time, especially in the area of Woonsocket Middle School, located just west of the bridge. This restriction will be in place until Summer 2016, when travel lanes will be shifted again so RIDOT can work on the other side of the bridge. Final completion is scheduled for Spring 2017, and restoration of all travel lanes is projected to occur by the end of 2016, weather depending.
With the temporary traffic pattern in place, truck traffic heading west over the bridge is being detoured. There is no truck detour for eastbound traffic.
To sign up for weekly updates on RIDOT projects around the state, contact dot.customerservice@dot.ri.gov. Visit www.dot.ri.gov or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 222-1362, Ext. 4007