The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that it will close the Bath Street East Bridge in Providence by the end of the day. The findings of a bridge inspection done earlier today found deterioration to such a degree that the bridge must be immediately closed to all traffic.
The bridge spans the Woonasquatucket River and carries two-way traffic between Kinsley Avenue/Providence Place and Promenade Street. It is classified as structurally deficient, and was posted for 5 tons.
Because of the closure, traffic will be detoured a short distance to either the Pleasant Valley Parkway Bridge (at the intersection of Dean Street and Pleasant Valley Parkway) or the Park Street Bridge, located close to Providence Place Mall.
RIDOT included the rehabilitation of the bridge in its 10-year plan and intends to accelerate the work, starting in 2019.
