The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced a temporary lane shift on Route 146 North at the Route 116/George Washington Highway interchange as part of a $14.5 million project to replace the structurally deficient Louisquisset Pike Bridge in Lincoln. It is scheduled to begin on the evening of Thursday, October 24.
The shift will move traffic onto the off-ramp to Route 116, which is wide enough to accommodate highway through traffic. RIDOT will extend the ramp so motorists can bypass the northbound span of the bridge, which will be replaced first. Lanes will be narrowed, and RIDOT asks that drivers reduce their speed through the temporary bypass road and plan extra time for travel. Drivers will still be able to exit onto Route 116.
In early December RIDOT will demolish the northbound bridge. This work will be done at night, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., for approximately five days. During demolition, Route 116 will be closed in both directions with signed detours established. RIDOT chose the closure times when traffic is lightest on Route 116. The Department will announce the closure dates well in advance.
The demolition and replacement of the southbound bridge will take place in Summer 2020. The northbound bypass road will remain in use through the life of the project. Final completion is expected by the end of 2021.
The bridge carries approximately 47,000 vehicles per day.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
The replacement of the Louisquisset Pike 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.