Linear Park Construction Update
Jun 2nd, 2010 | By Mark Dieterich | Category: Providence County
Rember that linear park which is supposed to be worked on? I finally received an update from RIDOT about the tentative timetable:
At this time we expect that the construction of the Washington Pedestrian Bridge will start in the spring of 2011. We expect the duration of the construction to take two years. Also, we suspect that the bridge will be closed during construction because the Contractor will want access to the entire structure.
Obviously, the combination of a two year long project and having it be entirely closed is unacceptable. We are in discussions with RIDOT to see what can be done to keep it open during the contstruction or what accomodations can be made for cyclists and pedestrians. As the discussion progresses, we will provide you with further udpates.
Thanks for keeping on top of this, Mark. I only ride the EBP a few times per year, but it always seems like a guess as to whether I can take the Washington Bridge or have head up to Henderson. Two years needed to replace it seems ridiculous since it was closed for at least two years while they were doing the work for the cars.
Thanks for the update Mark! Look forward to the day I can ride down through the East Side, through India Point Park and on to a real path.
I rode the narrow span on the bridge that serves as a bike path this past wknd. What a comedy of errors that was! I'm not the most coordinated guy in the world and have the scraped knuckles to prove it.
There are also issues with basic rules of the road. Who gets right of way, who needs to duck into alcove, when, etc? Do you think we might take a shot at drafting some suggested rules of the road, giving them to RIDOT, see if we can get them to post some signage?
Lots of broken glass and litter too (with, of course, little wiggle room to dodge the obstacles as your riding). That ticked me off so much, I plan on going back this wknd with a broom and do a little clean-up.
I completely agree with you that a two-year shut-down is totally unacceptable!
Ken
Any updates?
Last status I heard was that the contract was to be bid in 2012 with construction to begin in 2013.