The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily shift the northbound and southbound travel lanes to the right on Route 4 in East Greenwich between the I-95 interchange and the Division Street exit on Monday night, March 2. The change is part of a $22.9 million project underway to replace the Division Street Bridge.
Lane closures will start Monday at 9 p.m. to restripe the highway under the bridge. At least one lane of travel will remain open in both directions. Motorists should use caution driving through the area, especially those on I-95 South taking the Route 4 exit, as the work zone is only about a half mile after the exit.
RIDOT will build a temporary bridge next to the existing Division Street Bridge using a covered arch design. It will carry traffic while the structure is being replaced. The bridge carries 14,000 vehicles per day and is a vital link for many residents and businesses in East Greenwich and Warwick.
Built in 1967, the bridge was structurally deficient for several years and required a $500,000 repair project two years ago to keep it in service. It is only one rating point away from becoming deficient again, and it must be replaced.
RIDOT expects to complete construction of the temporary bridge by this fall so the Department can shift traffic onto it and start demolition of the old bridge. By using this method, no travel lanes or exit ramps will be closed during peak periods for the duration of the project, which finishes in Fall 2022.