Central Bridge Replacement Work to Start Next Week

Construction on the Central Bridge in Barrington – often referred to as the “White Church” or Massasoit Avenue bridge – will begin next Monday, Sept. 30.

Michael Swift, principal civil engineer for the RI Department of Transportation’s Construction Management Group, announced the initial construction schedule today, Sept. 23.

Swift said that temporary construction signs will be going up this week. Crews then will install temporary wheelchair ramps and crosswalks on Massasoit Avenue in preparation for closing the north bridge sidewalk.

That work will take place during the day from 9 am to 3:30 pm with alternating traffic, he said.

On Tuesday through Friday next week, Oct. 1 through Oct. 4, Swift said, “a one-way detour will be in affect during the day between 9 am and 3:30 pm.” 

Westbound traffic will be detoured down New Meadow Road to County Road while eastbound traffic will be unaffected.

“This detour is needed to allow the contractor to restripe the roadway, bolt down temporary median barrier to the existing bridge deck, and install temporary fencing on the median barrier, Swift said.

A full bridge closure and detour will go into effect next Tuesday evening, Oct. 1, into Wednesday morning, Oct. 2, from 8 pm to 6 am.

The closure and detour will be needed to install the temporary median barrier required for the phase I bridge work, Swift said.

Police details will be used during lane closures. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass at any time. 

RIDOT will be providing updates on a regular basis as work progresses, Swift said. 

“All parties will be notified in advance of any lane closures/detours required during construction,” he said.

The field office for the bridge replacement project will be located at 1365 Wampanoag Trail in Riverside.