The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has completed the Tower Hill Road Bridge replacement project in North Kingstown nine months ahead of schedule.
The $35.8 million project replaced the bridge carrying Route 1 over Route 138, a vital link for more than 52,000 daily travelers heading to South County and Newport County. RIDOT used accelerated bridge construction techniques, building new decks adjacent to the old bridge and sliding them into place over two weekends. This method limited disruption compared to conventional construction, which would have required years of lane closures.
The new bridge, designed with a smaller footprint than the 1969 structure it replaced, provides a safer crossing and smoother pavement. Crews also resurfaced more than six miles of Route 1 in North and South Kingstown, upgraded ADA curb ramps, and improved drainage systems.
The Tower Hill project is part of RhodeWorks, the state’s 10-year transportation improvement plan, which has funded more than 100 projects worth $3.3 billion. RIDOT has replaced or repaired 181 bridges under the program, including 65 previously rated structurally deficient.
The project also continues the state’s practice of painting rehabilitated bridges blue, signaling new or rebuilt structures.