The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) reported that cleanup of Interstate 195 in East Providence continued Saturday morning following the overnight demolition of the Potter Street Bridge. The bridge was taken down late Friday, allowing the highway to be closed in both directions for the operation.
Demolition completed quickly
RIDOT posted on its official X account that demolition crews “made quick work of the bridge overnight,” noting that the bridge deck was down shortly after 2 a.m. The swift removal cleared the way for the next phase of the project: expanding I-195 and constructing a new Potter Street Bridge.
Detour and traffic guidance
During the closure, traffic was detoured along Warren Avenue. RIDOT asked motorists to avoid the construction zone while crews removed debris and prepared the site for reconstruction. The department emphasized that the temporary inconvenience will lead to a more efficient interstate with additional lanes, improving travel times for commuters and freight traffic alike.
Future improvements
The removal of the old bridge is a key step in RIDOT’s plan to add more lanes to I-195, addressing longstanding congestion concerns in the Providence metropolitan area. A new Potter Street Bridge will be built to modern standards, enhancing safety and supporting the region’s economic growth.
Community impact
East Providence residents and commuters have expressed relief that the demolition proceeded without major incident. Local business owners anticipate that the eventual reopening of a wider I-195 will bring increased traffic to nearby commercial districts, benefiting the local economy.
What’s next
RIDOT will continue debris removal and site preparation over the coming days. Once the work zone is cleared, construction of the new bridge and lane expansion will begin, with an anticipated completion timeline to be announced later this year.
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed through RIDOT’s official channels for updates on detours and project milestones.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
