State completes accelerated inspection of deficient bridges

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation has completed its accelerated inspection of 230 structurally deficient bridges by its self-imposed mid-August time frame, resulting in an emergency closure of a Cranston bridge and several lane closures.

The program was initiated after four separate bridge issues were reported in just eight weeks earlier this year. The department began the program in May. The last inspection was completed on Aug. 14.

The study resulted in the emergency closure and accelerated reconstruction of the Park Avenue Bridge in Cranston; emergency lane closures and repairs at the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge in East Providence, and the Mineral Spring Avenue Bridge in Pawtucket; and minor repairs at more than two dozen other structures around the state.

A total of 28 inspections resulted in “critical findings” – recommendations for immediate corrective action. The majority of these involved the removal of loose concrete from various bridge components.

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One out of every five Rhode Island bridges is structurally deficient. According to 2014 Federal Highway Administration data, Rhode Island ranks last among the 50 states in terms of structurally deficient bridges. •

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