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R.I. Turnpike & Bridge Authority outlines Mount Hope Bridge repairs: short closures for overlay, dehumidification work planned
Summary
R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority officials told the council the Mount Hope Bridge will receive a thin bonded overlay requiring short, planned closures (likely weekend-based), a dehumidification system to protect cables and a deck replacement planning study with a multi‑year horizon.
Officials from the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority briefed the Town Council on June 18 about a series of maintenance projects for the nearly 100-year-old Mount Hope Bridge, including an overlay to improve rideability, a planned dehumidification system for the suspension cables, and preliminary work to plan an eventual deck replacement.
Overlay and closure planning
RIBTA said it plans an ultra-thin, bonded overlay to smooth the riding surface and repair depressions and bumps. The work will begin with micro-grinding of the existing surface, followed by the polymer-based thin overlay. Officials said the process is expected to extend surface life for several years (RIBTA cited an expectation roughly in the three- to five-year range for effective improvement) and that, to get the work done efficiently, the authority is planning short, controlled bridge closures — likely over a pair of weekends and possibly an adjoining weekday — rather than a long continuous shutdown. The authority said it will not schedule closures during July 4 events and will coordinate timing with town events and the return of Roger Williams University students.
Cable dehumidification and long-term deck work
RIBTA also described plans to install a dehumidification system to reduce corrosion inside the bridge cables — a preventive step the authority says would extend the useful life of the existing superstructure. Officials described the technology as increasingly common and said it will be installed ahead of eventual replacement of the deck. RIBTA said a full deck replacement is currently programmed roughly five years out; the authority has issued a consultant request to investigate deck-replacement concepts and minimize extended closures.
Public-safety coordination and next steps
Authority staff said they have met with municipal police and fire officials to plan traffic routing, communications and emergency access during any closures. Councilors asked for advance, aggressive public outreach and for traffic-mitigation signage on major approaches to the bridge so drivers can plan alternate routes in advance.
Ending
RIBTA said it will provide schedule details and notices in advance of work and will coordinate with municipal departments on traffic and emergency response plans. Councilors asked authority staff to prioritize early public notice and to consult on mitigation measures.
