The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will be conducting repairs to a culvert on Great Road (Route 123) beginning on Friday night, August 21, 2009. This work will take place just west of the intersection with Old River Road (Route 126), close to the historic Moffitt Mill where Great Road passes over the Moshassuck River.
The construction will require the closure of a travel lane and the establishment of a single-lane alternating traffic pattern beginning at 9 p.m. tomorrow. The pattern will be in place throughout the weekend with two lanes expected to be restored by early Monday morning. The same travel restriction will be instituted the following weekend, August 28-30, beginning at 9 p.m. on August 28, in order to complete the culvert rehabilitation. All schedules are weather dependent.
An inspection of the culvert in July found significant concrete deterioration. RIDOT scheduled the $200,000 repair project as quickly as possible. The work will involve the pouring of a new concrete deck over the existing culvert and pavement of an asphalt driving surface. While the concrete placement work is expected to be completed early Saturday, the concrete must be allowed to cure through the remainder of the weekend before traffic can drive over that portion of the road.
Police officers will be present throughout the operation directing traffic through the construction zone. Motorists can expect delays in this area, particularly on Saturday when traffic volumes are higher. Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes, and the Department recommends the use of Old River Road (Route 126) and George Washington Highway (Route 116) for traffic coming to and from Route 146.
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Contact: Charles St. Martin, 401-222-1362 ext. 4007