Mount Hope Bridge to temporarily close in August for resurfacing

BRISTOL, R.I. — The Mount Hope Bridge, a vital link between Bristol and Portsmouth, will be closed to all traffic for four days in August as crews carry out long-overdue resurfacing work.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced the full closure will begin Thursday, August 14 at 7 p.m. and last through Monday, August 18 at 5 a.m., weather permitting. During that time, workers will mill the aging road surface and apply a new ultra-thin bonded overlay designed to provide a smoother, safer ride. The resurfacing is expected to extend the surface life for another five years.

RITBA says it’s coordinating closely with the towns of Bristol and Portsmouth to manage detours and keep the public informed ahead of the shutdown.

This temporary closure is part of a broader long-term plan to eventually redeck the bridge, a major capital project, as the last redecking was completed in 1985.

But while officials say the bridge is safe to drive on, questions remain about its structural condition. State leaders are refusing to release the most recent inspection report, prompting concerns among local residents and commuters who rely on the nearly 100-year-old span every day.