Rep. Ackerman asks
RIDOT to open Manville Hill Road Bridge on limited basis
STATE HOUSE – Representative
Mia Ackerman (D – Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) sent a letter to Rhode Island
Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis today, requesting that he
open one lane of the Manville Hill Road Bridge to automobile traffic only.
“I understand the bridge
needs some immediate repairs,” she wrote. “However, I’m concerned about the
traffic issues that have ensued since the Rhode Island Department of
Transportation shut down the bridge. As you already know, the Manville Hill
Road Bridge is a heavily traveled connecting route. I am asking you to consider
leaving one lane open for automobile traffic only while we wait for
reconstruction. I believe this would alleviate any traffic problems that have
developed in Albion and southern Cumberland.”
After an inspection of
the bridge last week, RIDOT engineers discovered its steel and bridge beams had
signs of significant deterioration and required immediate repairs. Officials
closed the bridge on Dec. 7 after discovering the deficiencies earlier in the
day. Rehabilitation of the bridge is under design and RIDOT is slated to
address additional repair work through an upcoming construction contract
scheduled to begin in Summer 2013. According to the department, the 233-foot
long bridge carries about 4,300 vehicles per day.
“Currently, the bridge is the only connection
between Manville and Cumberland,” she wrote. “Forcing residents to endure a
detour that will take them several miles out of their way is proving to be both
very confusing and frustrating to my constituents.”
She said any motorists with additional questions should
contact the RIDOT Customer Service Office at (401) 222-2450 on weekdays from
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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