Rhode Island's Providence Street Bridge to Be Replaced

Oh no. Not again.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has announced another bridge project that will cause full highway closures and lane closures starting on Friday, August 16^th.

The project is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday, August 20^th, but the last time I heard about a quick bridge project, it wasn’t so "quick".

I speak for many Rhode Island commuters when I say, “Please don’t let this be the Washington Bridge all over again.”

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Extended Weekend Closure for Providence Street Bridge Replacement

On Friday night, August 16^th, RIDOT will begin an extended weekend closure affecting a portion of I-295 in Warwick, West Warwick, and Cranston as they replace the Providence Street Bridge. The construction will require a combination of full highway closures and lane closures throughout the weekend, with plans to complete the project by August 20^th.

“RIDOT is using accelerated bridge construction methods to replace this large structurally deficient bridge,” said the office of Gov. Daniel McKee. “Over the course of the extended weekend, RIDOT will demolish the old bridge and move the new bridge into place.”

Concern Over the Providence Street Bridge Project

Here’s the good news: The Providence Street Bridge sees a lot less traffic than the Washington Bridge, and luckily, there are a few detours to take when closures occur.

Courtesy of RIDOT

But can you blame me that my blood pressure rises when I hear about another bridge closure in my city? The PTSD from the hours-long, gridlocked traffic I have experienced on the Washington Bridge has made me doubt any timeline presented to me.

This Providence Street Bridge Project is set to be completed in just a few days. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn into months.

Closure Schedule for Providence Street Bridge Project

Friday, August 16: I-295 in both directions reduced to one lane at 7 p.m. and fully closed at 9 p.m. Providence Street above I-295 closed at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 17: One lane opens at 9 a.m. for I-295 South. All lanes for I-295 North and South reopen at 12 p.m.

Sunday, August 18: Both directions of I-295 close at 5 p.m.

Monday, August 19: Both directions of I-295 reopen at 6 a.m. Single-lane closures are likely between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and after 6 p.m.

Tuesday, August 20: All lanes on I-295 and Providence Street above I-295 reopen by 6 a.m.

Visit RIDOT online for further closure details.

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