Work Continues on Hussey Bridge

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI—Construction crews are plugging away at the Clarence L. Hussey Memorial Bridge in North Kingstown.

Over the next two weeks, crews will continue chipping away at the concrete arches of the historic bridge and forming and pouring new concrete in the repair areas, according to the state Department of Transportation.

"We will also form and place concrete for the southeast and southwest curbing and sidewalks, and make repairs to the steel sidewalk railing at the east and west sides of the bridges," the DOT said in its weekly newsletter. "We also plan to begin masonry and epoxy injection repairs at the southwest wingwalls, and work on the electrical lighting system."

The $1.7 million repair project was the first project begun under the state's new streamlined construction process that has been promised to increase efficiency and accountability, according to DOT Director Peter Alviti.

The project uses a new internal DOT process that utilizes a project manager. That person will oversee the work from beginning to end and will "ensure all the milestones are being met," Alviti said in an interview.

"The new process will put a new focus and accountability on completing projects like this on time, on budget, within the original scope," Alviti said.

The bridge has been closed since early April and will remain closed until June to accommodate the busy summer season in Wickford Village.

It is set to close once again in September for the last round of construction.

The bridge, built in 1925, carries about 13,000 cars per day on Route 1A over Wickford Cove.

Detour information is available at the DOT's website.

The Hussey bridge is part of the Wickford National Register Historic District.