Warren River Bridge Replacement
Warren, RI
Background:
The Warren River bridge was evaluated and replaced in conjunction with the Barrington River Bridge project under a contract with RIDOT. The original bridge spanned a distance of 228 feet and carried Route 114 between the towns of Barrington and Warren, Rhode Island.
Our engineering division conducted detailed inspections, both under and above water, to determine the repair plans for the bridge. Following these inspections, a report was prepared addressing four possible alternatives: no action, short term repairs coupled with future replacement, major rehabilitation, and total replacement. RIDOT elected the total replacement option, and we undertook a traffic study to determine the impact of complete or partial closing of the structure. The results of this study led to the authorization of a temporary bridge, which was designed by our engineering division and built two years later.
The replacement bridge was designed with attention to the historic nature of the area and the ultimate demolition of the temporary bridge. Protection and preservation of nearby environmentally-sensitive areas and wildlife habitats were incorporated into all design and construction plans. Sedimentation from the demolition of the original bridge was contained in cofferdams to be utilized for the construction of the new piers and abutments.
As with the Barrington River bridge, the new Warren River bridge was lengthened to 264 feet in order to open the waterway such that it spans what may have been the original river width.
The Warren River bridge was evaluated and replaced in conjunction with the Barrington River Bridge project under a contract with RIDOT. The original bridge spanned a distance of 228 feet and carried Route 114 between the towns of Barrington and Warren, Rhode Island.
Our engineering division conducted detailed inspections, both under and above water, to determine the repair plans for the bridge. Following these inspections, a report was prepared addressing four possible alternatives: no action, short term repairs coupled with future replacement, major rehabilitation, and total replacement. RIDOT elected the total replacement option, and we undertook a traffic study to determine the impact of complete or partial closing of the structure. The results of this study led to the authorization of a temporary bridge, which was designed by our engineering division and built two years later.
The replacement bridge was designed with attention to the historic nature of the area and the ultimate demolition of the temporary bridge. Protection and preservation of nearby environmentally-sensitive areas and wildlife habitats were incorporated into all design and construction plans. Sedimentation from the demolition of the original bridge was contained in cofferdams to be utilized for the construction of the new piers and abutments.
As with the Barrington River bridge, the new Warren River bridge was lengthened to 264 feet in order to open the waterway such that it spans what may have been the original river width.
Services Provided:
- Evaluation of available options for repair
- Study of traffic detour routes around and through the work zone, including one-lane alternating directional travel over the bridges
- Establishment of project impact on local boating and marinas
- Protection and restoration of surrounding environmentally sensitive areas
- Preservation of nearby historic resources
- Design of replacement and temporary bridges
- Demolition of old bridge structures