THE SAKONNET RIVER BRIDGE INCIDENT

JAMESTOWN, R.I. – RITBA undertook an immediate and thorough
inspection of the Sakonnet River Bridge following Monday’s incident. The Authority
is happy to report that the bridge is safe and sustained no structural damage. The
inspection did find some minor cosmetic issues which will be repaired. The cost of
the cosmetic repairs will be less than $50,000 and the Authority will recoup the
cost of the repairs from the contractors and their insurance companies. The full
Emergency Inspection Report for the Sakonnet River Bridge conducted on Monday,
August 29th, 2016, is attached to this release. Because of Monday’s incident,
RITBA suspended the use of all UBI vehicles temporarily. The Authority will resume
use of the vehicles for the completion of its annual bridge inspections and other
ongoing work on Tuesday, September 6th, 2016. RITBA will provide further updates
and information as it becomes available.