The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it has reopened the bike path on the old Washington Bridge on a temporary basis. The path will eventually be closed again when the Department is ready to begin construction on a project to convert the remaining portion of the old bridge into a wider bikeway and linear park.
The bike path on the bridge is in its original configuration, and cyclists and pedestrians should exercise caution on the path as it is very narrow. There are numerous alcoves along the path where cyclists can pull over and let an oncoming rider pass.
The access points to the bridge’s bike path are the same as before, via a ramp structure off Gano Street in India Point Park and a short path segment near Warren Avenue that connects to the East Bay Bike Path. The reopening of the Washington Bridge bike path extends the length of the East Bay Bike Path by about half of a mile for a total of 14.5 miles in each direction.
RIDOT does not have a firm timetable for the commencement of the construction project to widen the bridge and the original path’s closure. The Department is reviewing the design for the new bikeway and linear park.
The path was closed during the construction of the new Washington Bridge, which carries traffic on I-195 East over the Seekonk River.
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Note: While the Washington Bridge bike path is now open, it will be closed on Sunday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. because it is part of the route for the Cox Sports Marathon. Cyclists on the East Bay Bike Path north of Middle Highway in Barrington can expect congested conditions as the path itself will be part of the road race course.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007