--Traffic Advisory--
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is completing traffic pattern changes as part of the second phase of a $3.3 million repair project to the Henderson Bridge, often called the “Red Bridge,” in Providence. The span connects Waterman Street and South Angell Street on Providence’s East Side with Massasoit Avenue in East Providence.
Overnight construction is scheduled for tonight, June 25, 2009, and will involve the movement of concrete barrier on the Henderson Bridge westbound. The new traffic pattern will be in place tomorrow, June 26.
Traffic will be directed to use the left travel lane when the right lane is closed. Because of the closure of the right lane, RIDOT must close the on-ramp from Massasoit Avenue southbound to the Henderson Bridge westbound.
A signed detour will be established using Waterman Avenue and Taunton Avenue to North Broadway, where there is an on-ramp to the Henderson Bridge. Because of the road configuration, it is not possible to make left turns on Massasoit Avenue or North Broadway while heading south, hence the need for a longer detour.
The Henderson Bridge project involves steel repair, replacement of bridge joints, a new drainage system and other improvements with the goal of extending the service life of the bridge. The project also will establish well-marked bicycle lanes for both the east and west bound movements. The bridge has long been a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians. RIDOT expects to complete the work this fall.
Traffic pattern changes instituted earlier this month affected how pedestrians and cyclists use the bridge. A map detailing those changes can be found online at www.dot.ri.gov/bikeri. The principal change with this activity impacts vehicular traffic.
The following is a summary of the changes taking place this week:
Henderson Bridge Westbound:
• Right travel lane closes. Left lane opens.
• Ramp from Massasoit Avenue southbound to Henderson Bridge westbound closes.
• No change in bicycle traffic on eastbound bridge.
Please see links below for related maps.
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Contact: Charles St. Martin, 401-222-1362 x. 4007
