Terrapins the Focus of Bridge Hearing

The endangered diamondback terrapins that make their home in Hundred Acre Cove are expected to be the center of attention at a public hearing today in Providence on the “White Church” bridge replacement project in Barrington.

Heidi Gudmundson, a  spokesperson for the RI Department of Transportation, said the 10 am hearing “is one step in the process of permits and approvals we need to move forward” in replacing the Massasoit Avenue bridge over the Barrington River.

“RIDOT has applied for a water quality certification from RIDEM,” she said. “As part of this application process, RIDEM has a public notice period. Their process allows interested parties to request a public hearing.”

Save the Bay and the Aubudon Society are among the groups or individuals expected to make comments at the hearing, Gudmundson said. The hearing is being held in the RIDEM office on Promenade Street.

The primary concern of DEM with the bridge project is the additional two feet of vertical clearance over the Barrington River. It is being added at the request of Barrington officials. The extra clearance is expected to attract more boats to the cove, and increase danger for the terrapins.

There are already boat restrictions in the cove, including a line of buoys to keep powerboats out of the northern ends of the cove. DOT has already said it would make other efforts, including the installation of signs, to alert and educate boaters about the terrapins in the cove.

See more about today's hearing in eastbayri.com.