Stillwater Viaduct Tour Set for Today [CORRECTED]

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is among the expected attendees of today's scheduled ceremony at the Stillwater Viaduct on Rte. 116, following a six-and-a-half month reconctruction project.

Attendees will be able to tour the rebuilt span — but the road will not be open to traffic. Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials will announce the opening date for the span at today's ceremony.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation shut down the 80-year-old span in March for the $9.4 million rehab, which included $5 million in federal funds secured by Reed as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Following today's ceremony, RIDOT spokesman Charles St. Martin said in a statement that the area is still considered "an active construction site," so visitors will be equipped with hard hats and safety vests.

St. Martin explained the completion of this phase of the project is "more than a month ahead of schedule," following replacement of the main structure and repairs to the supports and arches.

Editor's Note: This article was corrected following first publication to reflect the fact that the Viaduct will NOT be open to traffic. A press release incorrectly noted that the span would be reopened today.