Cove 'Escape' Bridge To Reopen Today
The Cove Bridge is expected to reopen to traffic on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Photos
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will reopen the Cove "Escape" Bridge today, Sept. 18, at approximately 9 a.m.
The bridge, which carries Hummocks Point Road over a tidal inlet in the Island Park area of Portsmouth, was closed for rehabilitation in November 2011.
Through a $2 million contract with Cardi Corp., RIDOT replaced the superstructure of the 51-year-old bridge, one of two access points that serve as evacuation routes for the Island Park area.
Residents of the area previously raised concerns about the bridge being closed during hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 1.
Built in 1961, the bridge primarily serves local traffic and has an average daily traffic count of 2,100 vehicles per day.
The recently completed work allows RIDOT to lift all weight restrictions on the bridge. The structure’s weight limit was lowered to four tons in 2009 because of its deteriorating condition.
Town resident for many years
8:15 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
That is great news!
John ("Anything But Sue")
8:15 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
What with the Sakonnet bridge fiasco..They needed to open something. BTW: The escape bridge is NOT DONE.
Island Porkrunner
9:04 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
quality of life here just went from BLAH to BRILLIANT now that we can ride bikes and run around the full loop over the bridge and around the Cove. wonderful news
Jill Giggey
9:34 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Agrred Porkrunner! Glad to have my 4.5 loop walk back! (been lazy since the bridge was out!)
Jill Giggey
9:34 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
*Agreed (apparently my minds been a bit lazy too!)
DC1976
1:06 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I actually am a Hummock resident and not having the MILLIONS of motorcycles speeding by my house with their extremely loud exhaust pipes endangering and waking my children has been SO PLEASANT. I have really enjoyed the peace and quiet - like living on a dead end street, and I am sad to see the bridge re-open. I wish it was used as it was originally intended only, for emergency use during hurricanes and as a walking/biking bridge!! Would save money on the wear and tear of the bridge for the future!!
meme
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
IM HAPPY THAT THE BRIDGE REOPEN ..FOR THE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE IT TO STAY CLOSED ..DONT U THINK ITS IS TIME TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOUSE ... AFTER THE 2000 OR SO PEOPLE THAT USE THAT ARE HAPPY IT REOPENED .TO BAD THERE 1 BAD APPLE THAT WANT IT TO STAY CLOSED. ANY WHERE U GO IN PORTSMOUTH YOUR HERE MOTORCYCLES IN THE ROADS .....NO BIG DEAL THE SOUNDS GOES AWAY ...MAYBE YOU SHOULD WEAR EAR PLUGS...
John ("Anything But Sue")
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I drove over the bridge today..in both directions..to make it official. IT'S OPEN. Minor work wrapping up.
John ("Anything But Sue")
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I drove over the bridge today..in both directions..to make it official. IT'S OPEN. Minor work wrapping up.
John ("Anything But Sue")
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I drove over the bridge today..in both directions..to make it official. The Bridge is OPEN. Minor work wrapping up.
Robert E
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
When are they going to put the toll on it? In the event of a hurricaine you won't have to stop to pay the toll the state will just bill you later.