RIDOT completes inspections of deficient bridges

STATE DOT DIRECTOR Peter Alviti Jr. ordered a stepped-up round of additional inspections for all of the structurally deficient bridges tracked by the federal government. / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
STATE DOT DIRECTOR Peter Alviti Jr. ordered a stepped-up round of additional inspections for all of the structurally deficient bridges tracked by the federal government. / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation has completed an accelerated round of inspections of 230 bridges deemed structurally deficient by federal standards.
The inspections resulted in the emergency closure and repair of the Park Avenue Bridge in Cranston, temporary lane closures and an ongoing weight restriction for the Mineral Spring Avenue Bridge in Pawtucket, repairs to the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge in East Providence, and some two dozen minor bridge repairs statewide, according to a state news release.
Inspections began in May. The last bridge was inspected Aug. 14, according to the state DOT.
According to the 2014 Federal Highway Administration update, one out of five bridges in Rhode Island are considered structurally deficient, requiring monitoring and inspection at least every two years. On taking office this year, state DOT director Peter Alviti Jr. ordered a stepped-up round of additional inspections for all of the structurally deficient spans tracked by the federal government.
Among the findings:

  • Twenty-eight bridges had inspections that revealed “critical findings,” and required corrective actions. Most of these involved removal of loose concrete from bridge components.
  • The Pawtucket Avenue Bridge in East Providence required installation of timber shoring beneath the structure.
  • Inspection of the Mineral Spring Avenue Bridge in Pawtucket revealed deterioration of the stone supports that comprise the arch of the bridge, and required a temporary, 18-ton weight restriction and narrowed lanes until the work is complete.
  • Inspection of the Miantonomi Bridge in Richmond found cracks in the plates that cover the floor beams, requiring ongoing emergency repairs.
  • The Lafayette Railroad Bridge in North Kingstown has severe deterioration of the bearing areas over the structure’s exterior beam pedestals. The state has restricted travel on the shoulders of the bridge to keep vehicles off those portions.

No posts to display