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Division Street Bridge Lane Shifts Begin Tonight

[CREDIT: RIDOT] RIDOT begins shifting Division Street Bridge traffic to a temporary bridge tonight in preparation for demolition of the 1967 bridge.
[CREDIT: RIDOT] RIDOT begins shifting Division Street Bridge traffic to a temporary bridge tonight in preparation for demolition of the 1967 bridge.
[CREDIT: RIDOT] RIDOT begins shifting Division Street Bridge traffic to a temporary bridge tonight in preparation for demolition of the 1967 bridge.
WARWICK, RI   — Tonight, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will shift all lanes on Division Street onto a temporary bridge over Rte. 4, part of a $22.9 million project replacing the Warwick-East Greenwich line bridge.
The 54-year-old Division Street Bridge, built in 1967, is an important link for many residents and businesses in both communities, serves 14,000 vehicles daily, RIDOT reports. It’s one of many deficient bridges in Rhode Island needing expensive interim repair projects to remain in service. The project is part of RhodeWorks, RIDOT’s ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair,  promoting economic development.
Three years ago, RIDOT invested $500,000 to keep the Division Street Bridge open to traffic until it could be replaced. The bridge is a vital link for many residents and businesses, including downtown East Greenwich. RIDOT began preparing the temporary  bridge in September.
The traffic shift is located between the on-ramp from Division Street to I-95 North and the off-ramp from Rte. 4 South to Division Street. RIDOT will lower the speed limit through the work zone to 20 mph.
The temporary bridge will use a covered arch design so that vehicles can continue to travel over Rte. 4, according to RIDOT. It  features two through-lanes for westbound traffic. For eastbound traffic, the right lane will be designated for through traffic while the left lane will be used for motorists wishing to use the on-ramp to I-95 North.
The shift follows extensive reviews and analysis of the temporary structure that will carry Division Street, which is safe for all legal loads, RIDOT announced.
RIDOT will begin demolition of the existing Division Street Bridge in early December, and the project is scheduled for completion in fall 2022.
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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