[VIDEO] Viaduct Opening Set for Tomorrow

Officials with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation have confirmed that the Stillwater Viaduct — the 80-year-old structure connecting Rte. 104 to Rte 116 north — will be open to traffic starting tomorrow, Oct. 24.

Work to replace the deteriorating surface, as well as structural improvements to the underside of the bridge, began in March and included the complete shutdown of the stretch of road from the Washington Highway/Farnum Pike intersection to the other side of the viaduct.

The $9.4 million project also included installation of pedestrian sidewalks and guardrails along the 450-ft.-long distance of the bridge.

Sen. John Tossoni (D-Dist. 22) issued a statement Monday noting the importance of the road for local businesses, including several industrial companies and, further up Rte. 116, Lincoln Mall.

“The importance of the bridge to the community, to local businesses in the area, cannot be overstated. Early completion of the project is great news and the DOT, by doing such an efficient job on this project, has provided great service to the community," Tassoni said. "This shows clearly how, with good planning, local-state cooperation and efficient construction techniques, a major project such as this can be done well.”

On Friday, Oct. 19, Tossoni was among several officials — including U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Smithfield Town Council President Michael Flynn, and RIDOT Director Michael Lewis — to attend a ceremonial ribbon-cutting in advance of tomorrow's reopening.

Check out the accompanying video [running time: 3:01] for more from Friday's event, and a before-and-after look at the Stillwater Viaduct project.