Deterioration Closes Another Bridge In Rhode Island

HOPKINTON, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has closed the Laurel Street Bridge in Hopkinton.

The closure came Tuesday after RIDOT crews conducted a routine inspection. State officials said the inspection revealed more deterioration than anticipated based on the last inspection.

The Laurel Street Bridge carries Laurel Street over the Ashaway River. The bridge had been posted for load. It is also on a six-month frequency special inspection because it is posted for load. Travelers are asked to use High Street for southbound traffic going to Route 3. Northbound traffic will be rerouted tomorrow, April 16.

Hopkinton police said there is no estimated timetable for reopening the bridge as of Wednesday.

A small bridge, the Laurel Street Bridge carries about 760 vehicles daily. The bridge was already in the Rhode Island State Transportation Improvement Plan, and final design for the superstructure replacement is underway. Construction is expected to start in 2026.

The Laurel Street Bridge is a box beam construction, meaning it is made out of prestressed concrete box beams on reinforced concrete abutments. It carries two lanes of traffic.

Other Bridge-Related Stories:

• Washington Bridge Enters Next Phase Of Demolition
• Gov. McKee Names 2 Finalists To Design, Build New Washington Bridge
• Washington Bridge Demolition Halts For RI To Preserve Lawsuit Evidence
• RI Sues 13 Companies Over Washington Bridge Failures
• Washington Bridge Needs Full Replacement Or Major Repairs: Report
• Washington Bridge Getting Additional Travel Lanes: McKee, RIDOT
• 'Critical Failure' Closes Washington Bridge, Possibly For Months
• I-195 West Bypass Lanes Open Early On Washington Bridge
• Bypass Lanes, Ferries, Small Business Relief: Washington Bridge Update
• RI Small Business Loans Approved In Wake Of Bridge Shutdown: Report
• Bristol-Providence Ferry Service Ends.

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