DOT limits Pawtucket River Bridge to 18 tons

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation has lowered the weight limit for Interstate Route 95’s Pawtucket River Bridge, in Pawtucket, citing the structure’s “deteriorating condition.”
The bridge – between highway Exits 27 (George Street, Downtown Pawtucket) and 28 (Route 114, School Street) – had been limited to 22 tons since November. It now is limited to vehicles weighing no more than 18 tons.
“The Pawtucket River Bridge is safe,” DOT Director Michael P. Lewis said in a statement yesterday. “However, in an abundance of caution, and to further preserve its deteriorating condition until the bridge is replaced, we are lowering the posting of this bridge.”
Built in 1958 to accommodate 60,000 vehicles per day, the Pawtucket River Bridge now carries 162,000 vehicles per day, the DOT noted. “Due to its present condition, the Pawtucket River Bridge has a detailed inspection every six months,” rather than the usual two years, the department said. “The latest inspection showed that the bridge continues to deteriorate, which has led to this new posting.”
Trucks and heavily loaded buses bound for Providence from Massachusetts and points north are directed to take Interstate 295 to Route 146 South, while those bound for Pawtucket “will need to use the signed local detours,” the DOT said. Those bypassing Providence are directed to use Route I-295.
The 18-ton limit, posted yesterday, is being enforced by the R.I. State Police.
Additional information about the Pawtucket River Bridge reconstruction, including local detour routes, is available from the R.I. Department of Transportation at www.dot.ri.gov. DOT travel advisories are posted at www.tmc.dot.ri.gov/traveladvisories.asp.