RIDOT is currently replacing the Pawtucket River Bridge, which carries I-95 over the Seekonk River in Pawtucket. The bridge currently is posted at 18 tons, forcing trucks to use alternative ways such as I-295, Route 146 or local detours on the city's streets.
A total of seven bridges will be rehabilitated as part of this $81 million project. The bridges will be constructed in phases and soon the posting will be removed.
Currently when I drive over this bridge there are two state troopers at each end waiting for trucks over the weight limit to pass over. The fine is a few thousand dollars to the driver and not worth the risk in my mind at least.
Currently when I drive over this bridge there are two state troopers at each end waiting for trucks over the weight limit to pass over. The fine is a few thousand dollars to the driver and not worth the risk in my mind at least.
RIDOT announced the other day that it has started construction of three steel arches for the first part of the Pawtucket River Bridge replacement.
Using prefabricated sections of steel will make for a faster onsite construction time. They estimated that it will only take two weeks to complete the construction but I think with this winter weather heading in it might take a little long
The next phase of the $81 million project will involve demolishing the existing I-95 North bridge and building a new structure in 2012. RIDOT will then shift I-95 South traffic to that new span, a step that will completely eliminate the 18-ton weight limit on the Interstate. Construction will continue with the demolition and reconstruction of the third major span, after which RIDOT will remove all traffic shifts on the highway. The bridge being built this fall will remain in service and be used for traffic entering and exiting the highway from George Street and School Street. -From RIDOTs website
Flickr Photos From RIDOT
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