DOT Expects Ten Mile River Bridges Will Close for Two Years

More than 50 years old, the Ten Mile River Bridges carry North Broadway over their namesake river in the heart of East Providence. However, recent inspections have deemed the bridges in need of reconstruction, prompting an immediately effective lowered weight limit from 7 tons to 3 tons until construction may begin.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation hopes to begin rehabilitation work on the bridges in spring 2012, which may close them for up to two years.

For the time being, trucks and other heavy vehicles inconvenienced by the weight limit may use a detour posted on the roads and on the Department of Transportation's website. The detour involves bypassing the bridges by taking Pawtucket and Newman avenues.

"The Department apologizes for any inconvenience the lower weight limit may cause," DOT Director Michael Lewis said.