Pell Bridge work to resume in early May

JAMESTOWN — Work to repair the Pell Bridge will restart early next month, requiring single-lane closures on the bridge during non-rush hours, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced Monday.

The first phase of the work, which will continue through early August, involves installing temporary traffic management signs, performing expansion joint header repair on the road deck and routine maintenance. The second phase that will begin upon completion of the first will involve the hydro-demolition and replacement of the bridge deck, the agency said in a statement.

The significant rehabilitation project began in spring of 2017. The first 1,000 feet of the bridge on the Newport side was replaced curb to curb. The existing steel bearings from the original construction were replaced with modern elastomeric bearings, the statement said. The project caused large traffic backups during the afternoon commuting hours.

Specifics about the project and lane closures that will begin next month will be released once the authority awards the contract for the work.