Central Bridge Replacement Over Barrington River Starting

The replacement of the Central Bridge that carries traffic over the Barrington River on Massasoit Avenue starts today, Sept. 30. Construction will continue into 2017.

Work will take place from 9 am to 3:30 pm with alternating traffic, according to Michael Swift, principal civil engineer for the RI Department of Transportation’s Construction Management Group. Cardi Corp. is the general contractor; it won the job with a $15.4 million bid.

A one-way detour will be in affect starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, and running through Friday, Oct. 4. Westbound traffic will be detoured down New Meadow Road to County Road. Eastbound traffic will not be affected.

“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.

There will be a full-bridge closure and detour Tuesday evening 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 direct traffic during lane closures. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass at any time. 

Temporary construction signs went up last week as did a digital board near the Barrington Congregational Church – the “White Church” on County Road. 

Crew will be installing temporary wheelchair ramps and crosswalks on Massasoit Avenue to prepare for the closing of sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.

The school-busing schedule may feel the most impact. School officials are urging people to leave a little earlier to get to school on time.