State Replacing Retention Walls On I-95 In Cranston

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will replace the crumbling retention walls on I-95 in Cranston.

The retention walls, made of large manufactured bricks, are in poor shape and were built more than 20 years ago. RIDOT officials said they will replace them with planted slopes by the end of the year. The full project is expected to be complete next spring.

The project includes soil injection and pavement restoration along I-95 northbound between Laurens Street and Park Avenue to prevent future settlement. RIDOT officials said they will also install new barriers along I-95 northbound and southbound between Milford Street and Park Avenue and remove the mechanically stabilized earth walls.

The walls will be replaced with slopes planted with grass and wildflowers to make it more environmentally friendly and to retain the soil. Some trees will be replaced.

The project is estimated to cost about $10 million. The retaining walls have been gradually crumbling for a number of years and the new slopes will be visually more pleasing, easier to maintain and better for the environment, state officials said.