Single-Lane Closure Coming To Coventry's Sandy Bottom Bridge

COVENTRY, RI — Starting next week, Sandy Bottom Bridge in Coventry will be reduced to one lane to accommodate construction, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said. The lane closure will be in place until the end of the year.

Drivers should expect delays in the area starting Monday. The department opted for a single-lane closure instead of completely shutting off the bridge because it is the main connector from Route 117 to Tiogue Avenue, carrying around 16,000 vehicles over the Pawtuxet River every day.

The $8.85 million project will be done in two phases, with the first closing the western lane of the bridge for construction while alternating traffic on the other side. The second phase of construction is scheduled to start in 2021.

During the first phase, some nighttime milling and paving projects will require overnight road closures, RIDOT said. The department will announce these closures in advance and provide detour routes.

When complete, the bridge will have a new superstructure with ADA-compliant sidewalks on both sides and better drainage and stormwater management. The bridge currently sits on two piers in the water. Once replaced, the bridge will span the river without needing the piers, which will be cut down, and partially left in the water.