Key projects reaching milestones across RI.

RIDOT and CIRI members continue to make progress statewide.

Oaklawn Avenue overpass, Route 37 in Cranston.

During the first and fourth quarters of FFY 2026, covering October 2025 through March 2026, RIDOT advanced numerous projects throughout the state. Several major projects achieved key milestones for rampup, mid-process progress and completion. A few of the agency’s accomplishments include:

Providence Viaduct Northbound completion. A ribbon cutting ceremony for this five-year $295 million project, completed in late October, took place on January 23. Thanks in part to a $60.3 million federal grant secured by RI’s congressional delegation, RIDOT was able to replace the nearly 1,300-foot-long viaduct – which carries more than 220,000 vehicles per day over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and the Woonasquatucket River – including repair or replacement of 10 additional bridges. The construction of its new service road has dramatically reduced traffic congestion and delays between the Atwells Avenue and the State Offices/Route 146 exits. I-95 North express lanes were also established for improved safety.

Offramp to Post Road, Route 37 East in Warwick.

Washington Bridge Rebuild.  Demolition for the westbound Washington Bridge rebuild project concluded in early December, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. The preparatory and design phases of the project continued through the winter months — including various surveys, drilling for borings and ordering of materials — along with steel fabrication and securing of permits. In-field construction will begin this summer. RIDOT also continues to prioritize maintenance and inspection of the eastbound Washington Bridge, monitoring the structural health monitoring/weigh-in-motion system now in place, and coordinating with state police for overweight enforcement.

Washington Bridge Project Website.  In early January, RIDOT launched a dedicated website for the project at www.washingtonbridgerebuild.com. Features include a video detailing how the bridge will be built— background material on prime contractor Walsh Construction and the supporting companies on the design build team — and regular updates on construction progress. The new bridge is slated to open to traffic in November 2028.

Route 146 Flyover Bridge opening. In December, RIDOT fully opened the new flyover bridge at the Route 146/Sayles Hill Road intersection, serving approximately 171,000 vehicles per day. The signature element of this $214 million Route 146 reconstruction project, the flyover replaced a traffic signal that was the source of significant congestion and travel delay. It was also one of the most active crash sites in the state, averaging more than 85 crashes per year. Other features of the project, scheduled for final completion this summer, including the replacement of multiple bridges and the complete reconstruction of the interchange between Route 146 and Route 146A.

South County Trail overpass, Route 4 in East Greenwich.

Bridges removed from “Poor Condition” list. Across the state, RIDOT continues to repair, replace or remove bridges from the “Poor Condition” list. Between January and March of this year, eight bridges totaling 25,402 square feet were removed from the list: Greystone Sluiceway Bridge, North Providence | Nonquit Pond Bridge, Tiverton | Arnold Mills Bridge, Cumberland | Davisville Railroad Bridge, North Kingstown | Airport Bridge, Post Road in Warwick | Hill Street Bridge, Coventry | Hemlock Road Bridge, Foster | Barton Street Bridge, Pawtucket.

Missing Move Project. This $144 million multi-component project spans from North Kingstown and East Greenwich to Warwick. The first component will create two critical roadways: a new bridge overpass to link Route 4 North and I-95 South, while using an existing right-of-way for an at-grade link between I-95 North and Route 4 South. The second component will build three ramps on Route 403 to connect the Quonset Business Park (QBP) to its West Davisville district via a limited-access highway — along with a roundabout south of Route 403 at Compass Circle.

From April 9 through June 5, RIDOT is conducting temporary highway closures for blasting. Since mechanical demolition would take two years, a controlled explosive demolition method is being used to safely fast-track the removal of ledge with greatly reduced impact on residents in terms of noise and overall duration. The entire Missing Move project is slated for completion by Fall 2027.

For the most up-to-date information on RIDOT programs and projects, visit: www.dot.ri.gov/RhodeWorks/