At 17 years old, the State’s oldest bike path is showing its age, and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has started a maintenance project to bring a much smoother riding surface to the 14.5-mile East Bay Bike Path. The work will take place in various locations through the summer months.
Cyclists along the path from Providence to Bristol already may have encountered construction work on the path. The $350,000 project will involve repairs at various locations, but the bulk of the work will take place in the Warren-Barrington area. The path will remain open throughout the project, although temporary closures may be needed due to construction – especially during weekdays. Cyclists and other path users are urged to exercise caution when using the path during this project.
There are five short sections in Warren where the roots of nearby locust trees have pushed up the pavement surface, creating cracks and bumps. RIDOT will resurface these areas, approximately 1,000 linear feet, and install root barrier to prevent future damage.
The project also involves the placement of new decking on the bike path bridges that pass over the Barrington and Warren rivers. Each is about 300 feet long and the existing timber deck is deteriorating. Path users will have access to the sidewalk section of each bridge while the decking work is done, which will take approximately two weeks for each bridge and is tentatively scheduled to take place from late June through late July. RIDOT also will be making repairs to a small bridge near Squantum Road in Riverside.
There will be no construction on weekends or holidays, and the path will be accessible for those wishing to ride to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade.
RIDOT additionally will be restriping the entire bike path, placing new pavement markings and stop bars. All traffic control signage will be replaced as well.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007