TRAFFIC ADVISORY – ON-RAMP FROM WARREN AVENUE TO I-195 WEST CLOSED THIS WEEKEND
Temporary closure of East Providence on-ramp needed for bridge construction
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that it will temporarily close the on-ramp from Warren Avenue westbound to I-195 West this coming weekend as part of ongoing construction on the structurally deficient Horton Farm Bridge in East Providence.
The ramp will be closed at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 28 and remain closed until 6 a.m. on Monday, October 1. Traffic should continue along Warren Avenue and follow a signed detour, using the Pawtucket Avenue on-ramp to reach I-195 West.
The Horton Farm Bridge carries traffic on the East Shore Expressway toward I-195, and RIDOT began replacing the eastern half of the bridge this spring. The closure will allow RIDOT to complete construction on this portion of the bridge so that a new lane can be opened. Once this happens, traffic using the Warren Avenue on-ramp will no longer have to come to a full stop before proceeding onto the ramp onto I-195 West.
Construction on the western half of the bridge will begin next spring. Final completion of the project is expected in Fall 2019.
The Horton Farm Bridge was not properly maintained. Although is it only 34 years old, this large bridge has severe concrete and steel deterioration. The Department is replacing the entire superstructure of the bridge at a cost of $16.6 million. RIDOT’s asset management approach to bridge maintenance ensures that this kind of neglect will not occur again.
The Horton Farm Bridge Replacement Project was made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT’s ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.