Mount Hope Bridge delays on Wednesday as traffic stops planned

BRISTOL, R.I. — Drivers traveling across the Mount Hope Bridge should expect delays Wednesday as traffic will be stopped in both directions several times while crews perform work on the nearly 100-year-old span.

According to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), intermittent traffic stops are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to allow crews to safely lift heavy equipment as part of the bridge’s ongoing dehumidification project.

The project, which began in January, is designed to help preserve the historic bridge by installing a system that pumps dry, conditioned air into the bridge’s steel cables and anchorages. Officials said the system will reduce internal corrosion and help extend the bridge’s service life.

Additional lane closures and overnight work planned

In addition to Wednesday’s traffic stops, alternating lane closures will continue on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while work progresses.

Weather permitting, crews will also perform surface repairs during overnight hours on the following Sundays:

• August 9
• August 16
• August 23
• August 30

Those closures are scheduled from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

More improvements planned

The Mount Hope Bridge underwent resurfacing work last August. According to RITBA, the new driving surface is expected to last about five years.

Looking ahead, the authority also plans to replace the bridge deck, which was last replaced in 1986, as part of its long-term capital improvement program.

Officials encourage motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while work is underway.