Lane Closures Announced for Route 1 Bridge Replacement

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will initiate lane closures on Route 1 starting May 1 for the Tower Hill Road Bridge replacement project. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction over two weekends to facilitate construction. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. The project aims to enhance safety and infrastructure, with a total cost estimated at $35.8 million. Construction is expected to complete before Monday’s commute following the bridge replacements.

North Kingstown — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is set to begin lane closures on Route 1 as part of the Tower Hill Road Bridge replacement project starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. The closures will remain in effect through two consecutive weekends to facilitate the construction of a new bridge that carries Route 1 over Route 138.

During the construction period, Route 1 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction. Motorists should prepare for delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Temporary lane shifts and ramp closures will occur along Route 1 at the intersection with Route 138. Access to local businesses along Route 1 will be maintained throughout the construction process.

The first weekend of work, from May 1-5, will focus on replacing the southbound bridge, followed by the northbound bridge replacement the weekend after, from May 8-12. RIDOT has undertaken this project using accelerated bridge construction methods to expedite the replacement of the structurally deficient bridge, ultimately enhancing roadway safety and infrastructure longevity.

Detours and Alternate Routes

• Motorists from the University of Rhode Island Kingston campus should take Route 2 northbound to reach Route 4.
• Drivers traveling north from the Narragansett area should utilize Route 1A.
• Travelers coming from the Providence area can consider I-195 towards Newport County.

Project Timeline and Costs

The overall cost of the bridge replacement project is approximately $35.8 million. This project is part of a larger initiative that includes plans to repave Route 1 from Gilbert Stuart Road to Route 4 later in the year. The construction is expected to be completed before Monday’s commute following the bridge replacements.

RIDOT successfully demolished the southbound bridge and installed a new structure ahead of schedule during the previous weekend, reopening the southbound lane by 4 a.m. on Monday. In collaboration with this work, the first half of the repaving for Tower Hill Road was completed last year, with the second half scheduled to finish after the bridge installations. The entire bridge replacement project is anticipated to reach completion by Spring 2027.

Background Context

The Tower Hill Road Bridge is considered a critical infrastructure component in the region, serving as a vital artery for traffic between various localities. The decision to replace the bridge was prompted by its classification as structurally deficient, highlighting the necessity for improvements to ensure the safety and efficiency of the roadway.

RIDOT aims to deliver these improvements with minimal disruption to commuters and local businesses, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure and provide safer travel options throughout Rhode Island.

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Additional Resources

• ABC6: RIDOT to Close Bridge in North Kingstown Until the Fall
• WPRI: Route 1 Lane Closures in North Kingstown Continue This Week
• Patch: Lane Closures and Detours for Tower Hill Road Bridge Project
• Providence Journal: I-95 North Closure for Bridge Replacement
• Valley Breeze: Greystone Bridge Set for Demolition