The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced the second closure of Route 152 (Newman Avenue) at the Newman Avenue Bridge, from Barney Street to the Massachusetts state line. The closure is scheduled to last for two days beginning on Tuesday, June 27.
The structurally-deficient Newman Avenue Bridge, built in 1934, carries approximately 9,000 vehicles per day on Newman Avenue over the 10 Mile River. Through a $4.7 million, two-year construction contract with John Rocchio Corporation, $2.6 million of which represents the cost of construction, the Department is replacing the bridge using conventional construction methods.
During the closure period, from Tuesday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 28, RIDOT will install concrete beams that will ultimately support the new bridge deck. When Newman Avenue reopens to traffic, the alternating one-way traffic pattern that is being used through the duration of the project, will once again be in effect.
During the closure period, motorists are advised to follow the recommended detour using the turn-by-turn directions described below. Local access will be maintained. Get detour maps at www.ridot.net/detourmaps.
Newman Avenue Detours
Eastbound:
Follow Route 1A/Pawtucket Avenue south; Stay left for Route 114A/Pleasant Street; Pleasant Street becomes Fall River Avenue; Turn left onto Route 44/Taunton Avenue; Turn left onto Arcade Avenue; Return to Newman Avenue
Westbound:
Follow Arcade Avenue south; Turn right onto Route 44/Taunton Avenue; Turn right onto Route 11A/Fall River Avenue; Fall River Avenue becomes Pleasant Street; Stay right for Route 1A/Pawtucket Avenue; Return to Newman Avenue
The next closure will be required later this summer when RIDOT will pave the first half of the bridge, and put traffic onto the new structure. During the 2018 construction season, the Department plans to continue the process on the second half of the bridge, with demolition, concrete beam placement and paving, prior to opening the new Newman Avenue Bridge completely to traffic. This will be followed by resurfacing of approximately ¼ mile of Newman Avenue on either side of the new structure.
All dates are weather-dependent and subject to change. To sign up for weekly updates on this or other RIDOT projects around the state, contact help@ridot.net. 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 (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4007