Escape Bridge Opening Delayed Until 'Late August'

The estimated date for re-opening is now late August, according to Department of Transportation (DOT) Chief of Information and Public Relations, Charles E. St. Martin III.

In an e-mail exchange, St. Martin blamed the slippage on unexpected decay in the structure, which serves as an evacuation route from Island Park.

"During work on this project, we encountered more deterioration that was difficult to ascertain before demolition," said St. Martin. "The additional concrete repairs are needed to ensure the successful repair of the bridge and to assure its longevity."

When asked why this delay had not been included in the most recent "community update" from RIDOT, St. Martin said only, "We will look into incorporating this type of information."

At least one resident learned of the new date when they spoke to RIDOT Director Michael Lewis by phone last Thursday. Asked why Lewis had privately communicated the date last week, St. Martin said, "Director Lewis was responding to a direct inquiry."

St. Martin tried to address the fears of Island Park residents that the slippage would leave them with no evacuation route.

"We will work with the contractor to accelerate the remaining work to see if it can be reopened prior to late August," he said. "We also will work with the community regarding any evacuations that might be needed due to tropical storms that might impact our area."

St. Martin also offered an observation about hurrican tracking. "Please keep in mind that weather forecasting is far more sophisticated now than it was in 1961 when the bridge was built, with much more advance notice given to coastal residents when storm surges are possible."

Full disclosure: I live in the evacuation zone of Island Park.