Water Pipeline Repairs To Impact Traffic In East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Traffic restrictions will begin in East Providence next week as crews work to repair a leak in the Bristol County Water Authority pipeline. The pipe runs under the Providence River into East Providence, providing water to all BCWA residents and serving as the backup water supply for the city of East Providence.

The pipeline comes into East Providence at the Silver Spring Golf Course. To repair the pipe, a new, PVC water main will be installed inside the leaking steel pipe. Once installed, the new pipe will be pulled from East Providence to the Port of Providence.

To complete the repair, crews will need access to the golf course and surrounding roads for approximately eight weeks. Access to the golf course is only possible from Waterview Avenue to Bergin Street, which are narrow and winding. To allow the construction vehicles through, parking will not be allowed on the streets. Signs will be posted in the area to outline the parking restrictions. To minimize the impact on nearby residences, large vehicles will not be allowed through from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

The leak was discovered in the water main in April. Water restrictions were put into place in Bristol, Warren and Barrington in May when the pipe was shut off to begin repairs.