The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will be removing concrete barrier from the Henderson Bridge, often called the “New Red Bridge,” this week. The restoration of travel lanes is about 12 weeks ahead of schedule.
The barrier removal will take place today, Monday, August 17, 2009 and tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18 during the evening and overnight hours. During the barrier removal operation, motorists may encounter congestion and lane restrictions between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
This activity marks the end of lane restrictions on the bridge that have been in place since a bridge rehabilitation project began last year. Although the travel lanes will be reopened, additional work on the bridge will continue into the fall with occasional lane closures needed.
Motorists will now have two travel lanes in each direction between Angell Street on the East Side of Providence and Massasoit Avenue in East Providence. The bridge’s original left travel lanes will remain permanently closed pending a future bridge rehabilitation contract.
The bridge also will be open to bicyclists in both directions. RIDOT is adding plates to cover the bridge’s expansion joints and next month the Department will complete restriping of the entire bridge, which will better delineate the new bike lanes.
The $3.3 million project involved steel repair, replacement of bridge joints, a new drainage system and other improvements. The goal of the project is to extend the service life of the bridge, which was built in 1969.
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Contact: Charles St. Martin, x. 4007