Structurally deficient bridge was held up with "Lincoln Logs"
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today joined with Pawtucket officials to celebrate the early completion of the $9.3 million Pine Street Bridge replacement project, which wrapped approximately seven months ahead of schedule.
The bridge closed in early June and RIDOT completed the work in three months instead of four. RIDOT opened the bridge to traffic in September which allowed other work to be completed this fall instead of next spring.
The bridge serves as a vital connection in a series of bridges for traffic in Pawtucket to move from one side of the I-95 corridor to the other. It carries 8,700 vehicles per day between Marrin Street and Cedar Street. The old bridge was classified as structurally deficient and was in such an advanced state of deterioration that it had to be supported by wooden timbers that resembled the popular Lincoln Logs toy.
"The new RIDOT continues to move at the speed of business, working hard to complete its projects on time and on budget and, in the case of this project, get the bridge open for Pawtucket residents and area businesses much sooner than expected," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said. "It's another example of the Governor's RhodeWorks program in action, removing another structurally deficient bridge."
"The speedy completion of the Pine Street Bridge is extremely beneficial to the community and is a testament to the great work that RIDOT does," said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. "I would like to thank Governor Raimondo for her leadership as well as Director Alviti and his staff for their efforts. The RhodeWorks initiative has once again shown its significant impact as crumbling roads and bridges across the state continue to be repaired or replaced."
RIDOT used use accelerated bridge construction methods to expedite the construction of this bridge. This included the use of pre-cast concrete components. Also employed were pre-manufactured bridge units. When installed side-by-side, they rapidly create a new bridge deck and save considerable time as opposed to the conventional approach for forming and pouring a concrete bridge deck.
Working closely with the community, RIDOT chose to close this bridge entirely to speed its replacement. The Department also used a series of overnight highway closures to expediate bridge demolition and placement of new bridge components.
In addition, RIDOT's project management approach to all its projects provided diligent oversight. This ensured that all phases of work were completed in a timely manner, resulting in the early completion of the project.
The Pine Street 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.