Pawtucket River Bridge: Weight Reduction

On November 16, 2007 the Rhode Island Department of Transportation reduced the allowable weight of trucks crossing the Pawtucket River Bridge, Interstate Route 95, Pawtucket, RI. The allowable weight is now 22 ton, 44,000 pounds. After an inspection of a bridge, number 550, across the river it was determined that the weight should be reduced.

Alternate truck routes have been set up. Trucks coming from the north are redirected to Route 295, which rejoins Route 95 in Warwick, RI. Trucks coming from the south are also redirected to Route 295. If a carrier has deliveries in the Providence area, they should use Route 295 to route 146 to the city of Providence. It is expected that this detour will last for several years. The RIDOT is analyzing the feasibility of either making major repairs to the span or rebuilding the bridge entirely. Refer to the attached map of alternate routes. The Rhode Island State Police are monitoring the traffic on the bridge on a 24-hour basis and citing carriers who exceed the weight limits. The fines can be costly. For further information, and by-pass routes, you can log onto the RIDOT web site at www.dot.state.ri.us.