JAMESTOWN – The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced Monday its plans to launch a significant structural rehabilitation project on Newport’s Claiborne Pell Bridge.
The bridge will undergo a major roadway deck project occurring in multiple phases over a six- to eight-year period to minimize traffic problems during the high-volume summer season. The first phase of work will begin the week of May 15 and continue until the end of June.
Phase I of the project will begin on the eastern section of the bridge in Newport, covering about 2,000 feet of the 11,247-foot bridge. The project requires partial-depth hydro-demolition and replacement of the concrete roadway from curb-to-curb, including the removal and replacement of all of the bridge’s original 1969 bearings with modern elastomeric bearings. RITBA reports there will be lane closures, redirecting traffic into single travel lanes in each direction.
The three phases of construction in 2017 as detailed by RITBA are as follows:
Phase I, May 15-June 29
- Roadway deck work
- Long-term single-travel lanes in each direction
Phase II, July-August
- Work beneath roadway deck
- No long-term lane closures
Phase III, September-Dec. 22
- Roadway deck work begins after Labor Day
- Long-term single-travel lanes in each direction
RITBA awarded an $8.1 million first-phase contract to Aetna Bridge Co. on May 4.
The project will require prohibiting over-wide vehicles from crossing the bridge during phases one and three and vehicles heavier than 80,000 pounds throughout the entire project, which is projected to extend from May through December.
“This is a monumental project. We have gone to great lengths to maintain and repair the roadway deck on the Newport Pell Bridge, but at this point the roadway deck needs partial replacement,” said Buddy Croft, RITBA executive director. “We understand this project will impact motorists, and we are going to do our best to mitigate traffic issues.”
Eric Offenberg, RITBA director of engineering said, “when the bridge was constructed in 1969, the deck was expected to last 30 years, however due to constant attention and maintenance, we have preserved it for nearly 50 years. This deck project is prudent in continuing our mission to preserve the life expectancy of the bridge and keeping our motoring public safe.”
For more information on the project, traffic changes or delays, visit RITBA.org.
Nicole Dotzenrod is a PBN staff writer.
