New traffic pattern goes into effect this week
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has started repairs to the structurally deficient Big River Bridge, which carries Route 3 (Nooseneck Hill Road) over the Big River in West Greenwich. It is located about a half mile south of the I-95 Exit 6 interchange, between Division Street and Weaver Hill Road.
As part of this work, RIDOT today closed half the bridge, reducing the number of travel lanes from four to two. Traffic volumes on this stretch of Route 3 are low - approximately 5,900 vehicles per day - and RIDOT expects no traffic delays from the temporary travel lane reduction.
The traffic pattern will be in effect until Summer 2020, and involve slight changes during the course of the project. RIDOT will maintain at least one lane of travel in each direction at all times.
As part of the $5 million project, RIDOT will demolish portions of the bridge and rehabilitate its concrete arch. In place of the heavily deteriorated concrete parapet walls, RIDOT will use ornamental four-bar bridge railings, better suited to meet today's safety standards. The project also includes minor drainage improvements, paving and striping.
While work will be necessary from under the bridge, river passage will be maintained for recreational users.
The Big River Bridge Project was 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.