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« Carcieri to push for passage of voting bills | Today | Accused kidnapper, rapist is kicked and shoved in jail » June 17, 2008Weight limit lowered on another R.I. bridgeAfter a recent analysis, coupled with the discovery of more deterioration, the state Department of Transportation has lowered the weight limit on the second bridge in two days. The Pontiac Avenue Bridge in Cranston is now restricted to vehicles weighing less than 10 tons. This new restriction will affect trucks, fire vehicles, loaded buses and many unloaded buses as well. “The Department apologizes for any inconvenience this detour may cause, but safety is paramount,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said this morning in a statement. “We are aggressively reviewing bridges in our inventory to ensure proper weight limits are in place if they need be.” The Pontiac Avenue Bridge carries Pontiac Avenue over the Pocasset River in the Garden City neighborhood. It was built in 1925 using standards, according to the DOT, that were appropriate at the time. “Vehicles weren’t as big back then,” spokesman Charles St. Martin said this morning. A detour will be put in place, bringing vehicles weighing more than 10 tons to Garden City Drive, then to Reservoir Avenue, and finally onto Sockanosset Cross Road. No repair schedule has been set. The Department is considering minor rehabilitations that might make the bridge safe enough to return to the previous weight restriction of 19 tons. Yesterday, the state Department of Transportation said it was for the second time lowering the weight limit on the Sakonnet River Bridge, because its steel beams have continued to corrode. Posted by Brandie Jefferson CommentsKevin | June 17, 2008 11:16 AM link How about coming into East Providence and taking a look at the overpass for Veterans Memorial Parkway (exit 4) on Warren Ave. It is being held up by wooden pieces. The entire overpass is in terrible condition, and Veterans Memorial Parkway has a weight limit of 5000lbs or less, yet everyday I see big 18 wheel trucks charging up the Parkway. There must be something that can be done about this, I am afraid to pass underneath it at times it is in such bad shape. Who has to get hurt before something is done?? B.Lynn | June 17, 2008 12:25 PM link You guys realize that most of these bridges were built before 18-wheelers, right? They weren't calculated for it, anymore than 95/195 was calculated for 100,000 cars a day or whatever it is now. This isn't a Rhode Island issue, this is a national issue- an issue of 50+ years worth of neglected infrastructure. You reap what you sow, and this was sowed long, long ago. EMT | June 17, 2008 2:59 PM link Kevin, Ah, but the need for a new bridge means more DOT jobs. And more incredible waste. And more trashing the landscape and environment. trudy | June 17, 2008 5:29 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
Is it just me or the folks at DOT blazing idiots? Gee, the steel beams are corroding....due to SALT! and it's near SALT water and we use SALT on the roads. How about some preventative maintenance like PAINT. I'm thinking PAINT is likely a lot cheaper then NEW BRIDGE. But hey, that's just me, I'm not a smart DOT engineer or anything. Maybe they skipped that chapter in Bridge School "Steel beams exposed to corrosive materials - repaint them once in awhile". Morons - complete and total morons.