R.I.'s Mount Hope Bridge to close until Monday for road resurfacing

Boston Globe

3 days ago

According to officials, during the closure, the road surface 'will be milled and then an ultra-thin bonded overlay will be applied from curb to curb.'
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'The new surface will last approximately five years,' RIBTA said. 'Redecking the entire bridge (which was last done in 1985) is part of RITBA's capital projects in the coming years.'
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With the shutdown, RITBA has put detours in place, and 'most local traffic will use Route 195 and Route 24 through Fall River,' Mass., the agency said. Aquidneck Island is also accessible through Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge that connects Jamestown and Newport.
'Drivers are advised to use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze to get them to their destination,' RITBA said.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will also detour bus routes 60 and 61x.
'Route 60 will not provide direct service between Providence and Newport while the bridge is closed,' RIPTA said. 'Passengers who need to travel between Providence and Newport should use Route 14 (West Bay) or Route 24L (Newport/Fall River/Providence). RIPTA will offer supplemental express trips on Route 14 after 7 p.m. while the bridge is closed.'
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Meanwhile, Route 61x will travel the regular route 'the Fish Road Park & Ride, Portsmouth Park & Ride and then travel express to Providence; [and] reverse on outbound' service, RIPTA said.
'It will not serve Warren, Bristol, or Barrington on Friday,' the agency said.
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According to turnpike and bridge authority officials, the agency has collaborated with Bristol town leaders and first responders 'to ensure good communication about the timing and detours.'
If there is severe weather, the project will be rescheduled to September.
The two-lane, wire-cable suspension bridge typically serves about 15,000 vehicles per day, according to
Christopher Gavin can be reached at