Officials to hear plans to replace aging R.I. bridge

Weight limits have already been reduced on the Sakonnet River Bridge in R.I. as officials discuss building a new bridge.

The Associated Press

5/12/2008

TIVERTON, R.I. — Officials will be getting an update from state engineers on plans to replace the aging Sakonnet River Bridge.

Officials said last year that the Route 24 span connecting Tiverton and Portsmouth was deteriorating at a rate of 17 percent a year. That prompted a reduction in the weight limit on the bridge to 22 tons.

The latest inspection of the bridge is now under way and the Department of Transportation's acting chief engineer, Kazem Farhoumand, says the weight limit could be reduced again when the inspection is completed.

Engineers were scheduled to meet with Tiverton officials Monday to discuss the $150 to $180 million project. It would eventually dismantle the 52-year-old bridge and build a new overpass along Main Road in Tiverton.