Bike Path Bridges To Be Replaced Near Barrington

BARRINGTON, RI — The Department of Transportation will soon be closing two bridges carrying the East Bay Bike path, as the bridges are being replaced. The bridges going over the Barrington River and the Palmer River are scheduled to be closed starting Friday, Nov. 1.

The DOT has been inspecting the bridges every three months, and both bridges have been deemed structurally deficient, with "advanced deterioration of structural elements," according to the transportation officials.

The bridges going over the Barrington and Palmer rivers were originally used by the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad. They date back to 1900 and were repurposed in 1990 as part of the construction of the East Bay Bike Path. Two years ago, the DOT closed the sidewalks on both bridges due to their deteriorating condition.

"It's no secret that our bridges are suffering from years of deterioration and lack of proper funding for repairs," said DOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. "Based on the level of deterioration we're seeing, we must close them for the safety of all path users."

Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit said the scenic bikeways add to the beauty and quality of recreation and living in Rhode Island.

"Although it may pose as inconvenience for East Bay Bike Path users, performing repairs and maintenance are necessary in order to ensure public access and enhance enjoyment of these recreational assets," she said in a statement. "There are more than 60 miles of bike paths in Rhode Island that are used by nearly two million people each year."

The bridges are being replaced after a recent amendment to the state's Transportation Improvement Program. Funding for the project was moved up by three years. About $10 million has been allocated for the work, transportation officials say. Construction is expected to take approximately a year.

While the bridges are closed, signs will be in place to direct path users to dismount and walk their bikes on the sidewalks on the nearby vehicular bridges. Should widths are narrow on those bridges, and riding over the bridges is not recommended, according to transportation officials.

Bike path users may also choose between biking the north or the south portion of the bike path, including the 8.5-mile segment from India Point Park in Providence to the Police Cove Park in Barrington, and a 6-mile segment from just south of Palmer River Bridge in Warren to Independence Park in Bristol. DOT is in the process of coordinating with Warren to allow temporary access to the bike path in the vicinity of Crescent Street, officials said Monday.