The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced the start of a project to replace the city of Providence-owned Hawkins Street Bridge, which carries Hawkins Street over the West River, between Branch Avenue and Corliss Park, in Providence.

The initial phase of the project involves minor tree clearing and utility relocation and will be ongoing through the fall and into early winter. The next phase, starting next spring, will focus on the demolition and reconstruction of this structurally deficient bridge. Final completion is scheduled for Summer 2021, however RIDOT will be working with the contractor to open the bridge sooner.

The bridge has been closed since October 2017 following an inspection finding advanced deterioration on the bridge, which warranted its closure to traffic. It carries approximately 9,600 vehicles per day.

RIDOT and Providence have been working collaboratively on a replacement plan so the work could begin as soon as possible. Funding for the $4.7 million project includes a $1.5 million contribution from the city of Providence toward design work. RIDOT will cover the rest of the project costs.

"RIDOT understands the inconvenience this bridge closure represents and will work with the contractor to expedite the construction and reopen the bridge as quickly as possible," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said.

The replacement of the Hawkins Street Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs.

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