Cove Bridge work delayed to late 2010
After an eagle-eyed reader queried about Portsmouth's Cove (Escape) Bridge following today's washout on Park Avenue, I asked RIDOT about the schedule for repairs to the ailing structure and just received this response from Dana Alexander Nolfe, the chief public affairs officer:
"The Department anticipates being able to advertise this project for bids in late Summer 2010. Please know that this schedule is dependent on the issuance of several environmental permits as well as a US Coast Guard permit, in addition to our receipt of available funding."
Given our State's fiscal picture, I find the caveat about "available funding" ominous.
I feel obligated to point out that this contradicts the promise made by RIDOT head Michael Lewis back in May when "rapid deterioration" prompted a reduction in weight limit to 4 tons:
"RIDOT will begin an accelerated in-house design for the Cove Bridge," said Lewis. "It is expected that this project will be advertised later this year and begin construction next year. It is expected that this project will take only one construction season to complete."
— RIDOT press release
Comments
jay edwards
Fri, 12/04/2009 - 9:57am
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This is why I have been after them
RIDOT has a way of slowly pushing things off their initial schedule, I'm sure just to shear volume but, we cannot let that happen. Since I was elected, I have been meeting, writing and calling them concerning this bridge. It is vital to the safety of all the people who live in IP and must not be
put off to some date uncertain.
The last correspondence I received from them stated exactly what they stated here but we all must stay on top of them or else this bridge work will be forgotten and will end up being closed.
I know that some people wouldn't mind that outcome but, the vast majority of my constituents need the bridge repaired and brought back into full service. If anything changes, I will post an update here as well with as the Portsmouth Town Council.
Jay Edwards
John McDaid
Fri, 12/04/2009 - 10:29am
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Thanks, Rep. Edwards
Hi, Jay...
Thanks very much for staying on the case. As you say, RIDOT is clearly stretched, and the people of Island Park appreciate having you up in Providence keeping this top of mind for them.
My son's school bus had to drive through about 8-inch deep water yesterday. Could Island Park be cut off in a bad storm? Yep. This is just a really scary, and completely avoidable scenario.
Best Regards.
-John