The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is set to close two bridges in Foster for reconstruction starting on July 11. The closures are part of a project to demolish and replace the bridges, which will last approximately 90 days.
The first bridge closure will begin on July 11 and involves the Rams Tail Road Bridge. This bridge, built in 1955, carries Rams Tail Road over Ponaganset Brook between Route 6 (Danielson Pike) and Central Pike. It is currently one rating point away from being classified as structurally deficient. During the closure, drivers will be directed to use a detour via Route 102 (Chopmist Hill Road).
The second bridge closure will start on July 18 and affects the Mill Road Bridge. This bridge, constructed in 1950, carries Mill Road over Hemlock Brook between Route 102 (Foster Center Road) and Wright Lane. It is already classified as structurally deficient. Motorists can use a detour through Route 102, Kate Randall Road, and Central Pike during this period.
Local traffic will still be allowed on either side of both closed bridges. RIDOT plans to use accelerated bridge construction methods to expedite the replacement process.
This $13.4 million project also includes work on the Moosup Valley Road Bridge in Foster, which began last October. Traffic will shift this August to complete its replacement by next summer while maintaining a temporary traffic signal for single-lane alternating traffic.
All construction timelines are subject to change based on various factors such as weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. The project is funded by RhodeWorks, with RIDOT aiming to improve Rhode Island’s infrastructure while respecting environmental considerations.
More information can be found at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
Information from this article can be found here.
