The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that on Monday, April 15, it will close the Geneva Pond Bridge, which carries Route 7 (Douglas Avenue) over the West River at the Providence/North Providence line. As part of this $5.2 million project, RIDOT will completely replace the bridge.
The 103-year old bridge carries 10,500 vehicles per day and is classified as structurally deficient. It has a 15-ton weight limit for cars and a 34-ton weight limit for large trucks. The bridge will be rebuilt in its original footprint, with new sidewalks on both sides.
During its closure, all traffic will follow a detour using Lubec Street, Smithfield Road and Cushing Street. RIDOT estimates the road will be closed until Fall 2019. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Because the bridge will be completely demolished, it also will be closed for pedestrians. RIDOT has coordinated with RIPTA and nearby housing complexes to offer a free para-transit service that residents can use from their homes to businesses on the other side of the bridge. This free service will remain throughout the duration of the bridge closure.
The replacement of the Geneva Pond 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.
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