East Bay Bike Bridge

Governor Dan McKee, United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Federal Highway Administrator Carlos C. Machado, and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr. joined today with local and state leaders to officially launch the East Bay Bike Path Bridges project. It will cost $24 million to replace the bridges that cross two rivers: the Barrington and the Palmer Rivers.

Recognizing the significance of these bridges for people who enjoy recreational riding who reside in East Bay communities, the Administration increased the amount by the amount of $10 million it had set in its 10-year plan to pay for the bridges and also sought additional funds to get the $24 million required to replace the bridges. Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped secure another $14 million, including $5 million in earmark funds earlier in the year and $9 million of additional federal funds this summer – to pay for the project ultimately.

The work on the project after approval of the necessary environmental permits before the demolition of older structures. The beginning of construction in the field depends on obtaining tickets. However, it could start the following spring. The completion is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

The bridges that are still in use are from the 1880s. They were changed from the railroad to bike path bridges in the late 1980s. RIDOT shut down the bridges in the latter part of 2019 due to their unsafe and deteriorating condition. The East Bay Bike Path is one of the longest multi-town bike trails in the country. And is 14.5 miles long, stretching from Providence to Bristol, used by many visitors each year?

RIDOT collaborated closely with local officials from Barrington and Warren on temporary enhancements to the paths that would meet the local community’s demands. It also provides an uninterrupted, safe bike path for walkers and cyclists to utilize until the bridges are removed. This $2 million interim improvement project was completed the last year. It also includes funds for removing temporary enhancements and restoring the sidewalks to their original condition on the bridges for vehicular traffic. We bring you this news as it may affect transportation between Boston and Rhode Island in the long term. As a taxi service provider to Rhode Island, this is a matter of concern for our customers and us.

The Department is determined to improve connectivity for pedestrians and bicycles and invests about $20 million annually, including these features in significant projects. Some of them include those that will be built, including the Henderson Bridge, which will feature a dedicated bikeway linking Providence East Providence and East Providence, and the Route 6/10 Interchange, which will have approximately 10 million dollars in infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles.

The upgrades the 6/10 will go alongside more than $6 million of federal funds secured through Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse earlier in the month to link the Washington Secondary Bike Path in Cranston to the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Providence.

Every construction project is susceptible to changes in time and scope based on the circumstances, needs, findings, and weather.

Image Credits- East Bay Bike Path Bridges Rhode Island