DOT Plans Accelerated Construction for Frenchtown Brook Bridge

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has announced that it will be using accelerated bridge construction techniques and prefabricated elements for the replacement of the Frenchtown Brook Bridge on Davisville Road in East Greenwich.

Using all precast concrete components, the department will be able to complete the bridge work in approximately two months – about one-third of the time it would have taken if cast-in-place construction methods are used, according to a RIDOT press release.

To complete the bridge construction work as quickly as possible and to lessen the impact of the project, the department must close this bridge to all traffic. The span carries Davisville Road over the Frenchtown Brook close to the East Greenwich – North Kingstown line. The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, July 30. RIDOT expects the bridge to reopen in September.

“Anytime we work on a road or bridge, we realize it causes disruption for communities and businesses,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. “Using accelerated bridge construction techniques will allow the Department to do the work as fast as possible while minimizing inconveniences.”

The 57-year-old Frenchtown Brook Bridge is being replaced through a $1.9 million contract with Aetna Bridge Company. The project is one of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Highways for LIFE demonstration projects geared to advance longer-lasting highway infrastructure using innovations to accomplish the fast construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges. One of the first of its kind in Rhode Island, this project received $620,000 in Federal funding through this program. It will be showcased in an upcoming FHWA event to share the technology and the work in progress with other state agencies and municipalities.

RIDOT has included an incentive clause in its contract with Aetna, which provides a $3,000 per day incentive for the contractor if it can open the bridge early. The contract also carries a $3,000 daily penalty should the contract exceed a maximum closure of 60 days.

During the closure, signs will be in place to guide travelers on a detour around the closed bridge. The primary detour route utilizes Route 402 (Frenchtown Road) in East Greenwich and Route 1 (Post Road) and School Street in North Kingstown.

Motorists on Devil’s Foot Road (which turns into Davisville Road) can also access the new Route 403 highway at West Davisville Road, and take the exit for Route 4 North. They can also take the exit for Route 4 South to Route 402.

A map showing the detour routes is available online on RIDOT’s website at: www.dot.ri.gov/travelri/detourmaps.asp.

Those with questions can contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information will be available on RIDOT’s Twitter and Facebook sites.