BURRILLVILLE – After nearly two years of detours, accidents and a myriad of complaints regarding changes in traffic, the Mohegan Bridge reopened for two-way traffic on Friday, Jan. 27.
The bridge, which carries Route 102 over the Branch River, provides a main route between Burrillville and points both north and south for an estimated 15,200 vehicles per day.
Built in 1966, the steel structure was deemed structurally deficient, and a $10.6 million rehabilitation project by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation was launched in April of 2021.
Traffic, initially reduced to one lane, was shut down entirely on the 226-foot bridge last January after motorists failed to adhere to detour signs.
RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said in early December that the bridge would reopen by the end of the month, but the change was delayed after contractor John Rocchio Corporation did not complete installation of a new concrete deck, according to the state agency.
The Burrillville Police Department announced the reopening Friday morning.
“Please be aware that some work will still be going on today, so still use caution when traveling the area,” noted BPD.
RIDOT spokesman Charles St. Martin told NRI NOW that the agency plans on paving the bridge and the road on either side of it this spring.
“We also will finish all curbing and guardrail work at the bridge,” St. Martin said. “Drivers should reduce their speed and be aware of rough pavement and bumps at each end of the bridge.”
Smile, the next bridge south in Glendale over the Branch River will probably be next….another two years of closures for sure. Then, I would assume they’ll do the next set of two bridges over Whipple Ave and Clear River the following two years.
So 102 will be fairly unusable for the next 5 or 6 years in all likelihood. Meanwhile, Victory Highway (the old Route 102) is a complete toilet! The pavement condition on that RIDOT road is deplorable!
Where’s our local representation and Town leadership to advocate for RIDOT/Statewide Planning to earmark funds for maintenance of Victory Highway. Resurfacing of pretty much its entire length in Burrillville is about 25-years overdue….and yes, it is that bad.
I remember when all those bridges were built . 1966 is not that old. This State could save a lot of money if they were properly maintained. There are bridges in other states a lot older than the ones in this state that are in much better shape due to proper maintenance .