Travel Advisory: Louisquisset Pike Bridge Overnight Closures

SMITHFIELD, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will begin overnight closures of Route 116 at Louisquisset Pike Bridge in Lincoln on Sunday, Jan. 31, according to a news release.

The overnight closures, which will last for five consecutive nights, are part of RIDOT's project to replace and make safety improvements to Louisquisset Pike Bridge. The bridge, which carries Route 146 over Route 116 in Lincoln, holds approximately 47,000 vehicles per day and is considered structurally deficient.

The bridge closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, at which time traffic is lightest. The first night of work, Route 116 South will close starting at 4 p.m. and Route 116 North will be reduced to one lane from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at which time the full closure will start.

RIDOT said the following detours are expected:

• While Route 116 is closed, Route 116 North traffic will follow a detour using Route 246 South to Wilbur Road to Great Road to get back to Route 116. Trucks following this detour will need to stay on Route 246 and use the Route 146 North on-ramp at Breakneck Hill Road.
• Those traveling south on Route 116 will be directed to use the Route 146 North on-ramp, reverse direction at the nearby I-295 interchange, and then follow Route 146 South to the Route 116 South exit.

The $14.5 million repair project to replace the Louisquisset Pike Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and was made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's commitment to modernizing and repairing Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure and promoting economic development.