The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has provided the following update on the Newport Pell Bridge deck repair project in addition to work on the Jamestown Verrazzano and Mount Hope Bridges.
The project on the Newport Pell Bridge is moving along smoothly and remains on schedule. This phase of the deck repair work in the westbound travel lanes is now complete. The work included removing the old concrete by utilizing a scarifying machine and hydro-demolition, as well as completing necessary repairs to the steel rebar beneath. Fresh concrete has been poured and as the concrete hardens, core samples will be taken and tested. This section of the bridge will remain closed until the concrete achieves the proper strength and density and passes official testing. Once this happens the contractor will perform a “switchover” moving construction to the eastbound lanes and open up the westbound lanes with the new concrete deck to traffic.
This switchover of work to the “other side” of the bridge will require a traffic pattern change. Single travel lanes in each direction will still be required. Traffic cones and markers will be repositioned to guide motorists through the construction zone.
This switchover of construction and traffic will depend on weather and temperatures, as these factors will affect the time it takes for the concrete to harden. It is currently anticipated that the switchover will take place onTuesday, October 17th or Wednesday October 18th.
In addition to the work continuing on the Newport Pell Bridge, RITBA is undergoing work on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge and the Mount Hope Bridge.
Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge
- Joint repair and repavement work to North Kingstown approach of Bridge
- Work begins October 23rd continues until November 2nd
- This is night work and requires lane closures in North Kingstown (just p prior to getting on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge) from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Modified traffic pattern of narrow lanes will be implemented during the day time.
Mount Hope Bridge
- Slab replacement project to north approach (Bristol side)
- Begins today, October 10th continues until October 24th
- This is night work from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m. which requires single travel lane on Bridge
- Police detail will alternate northbound and southbound travel on Bridge. There will also be intermittent stops of 5-10 minutes
