The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced the next 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, September 5.
During the closure period, from Tuesday, September 5 through Thursday, September 7, RIDOT will realign the temporary concrete barrier and temporary traffic signal. 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, with traffic using the newly-completed side of the bridge. RIDOT will then be able to start the reconstruction process on the southern half of the bridge.
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
Reconstruction of the second half of the bridge is scheduled to continue into the 2018 construction season, 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.
The structurally-deficient Newman Avenue Bridge, built in 1934, carries approximately 9,000 vehicles per day on Newman Avenue over the 10 Mile River. It is being replaced through a $4.7 million, two-year construction contract with John Rocchio Corporation.
The replacement of the Newman Avenue Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
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