North Smithfield’s Central Street Bridge project starts soon

NORTH SMITHFIELD — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced it will begin replacement of the structurally-deficient Central Street Bridge, which carries local traffic on Route 5/Central Street over Route 146, close to the Massachusetts border in North Smithfield.

The work requires a full closure of the bridge, which is expected to begin on Monday, March 20.

Shortly after the bridge closes, on Friday, March 24, RIDOT will conduct an overnight closure of Route 146 to allow for the safe demolition of the old bridge. The closure will affect both directions of Route 146, with traffic detouring on Route 146A.

This closure period will be from 10 p.m. Friday, March 24, with one lane in each direction reopening by 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by 9 p.m. on Saturday. Motorists can expect delays during the closure, and the use of alternate routes is recommended. RIDOT chose the overnight period when traffic volumes are low, to minimize impact to travelers.

The Central Street Bridge itself will be closed until late fall. Final completion of the $7.7 million project is expected in spring 2018.

The bridge has been structurally deficient for 18 years, and currently has a 24-ton weight limit. As the bridge will be completely replaced, the new structure will be safe for use by all legal load trucks.

All detour routes cross over the state line into Massachusetts. RIDOT will be coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and neighboring communities in Massachusetts regarding all closures.

All dates are weather-dependent and subject to change.

To sign up for weekly updates on this or other RIDOT projects around the state, contact help@ridot.net. Visit www.dot.ri.gov

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