Temporary Sakonnet River channel restrictions required during next phase of demolition of the old Sakonnet River Bridge

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced on October 10th that they will be restricting travel through the Sakonnet River Channel for approximately one month, starting Monday, October 23. The restrictions are needed to allow for the safe removal of the old Sakonnet River Bridge.

While bridge demolition activities are underway from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, vessels will be unable to enter or pass through the channel. The restrictions are scheduled to last through Monday, November 27.

RIDOT will reopen the channel to marine traffic each day at 6 p.m. Additionally, the channel will be open all day on Sundays and for two full weekends in early November to better accommodate marine traffic. Seasonal boaters needing to transit the channel to haul their boats for the winter should plan accordingly.

The full schedule is as follows:

Channel Closed:

October 23 through November 27: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Channel Open:

Every Sunday

Channel Also Open:

• Friday, October 27 from 3:30 p.m. to Saturday, October 28 at 6 a.m.
• Friday, November 3 at 3:30 p.m. through Monday, November 6 at 6 a.m.
• Friday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m. though Monday, November 13 at 6 a.m.

During this first phase of demolition, RIDOT is removing approximately 6.2 million pounds of steel and 2,700 cubic yards of concrete across 17 spans between the bridge’s piers. The project is on time and on budget, with final completion scheduled for Summer 2018.

Middletown Council revives subcommittee to study short-term rentals

Middletown Town Council welcomes new deputy director of public works, revives subcommittee to study short-term rentals

Keep reading

15 mins agoDecember 6, 2023

Offensive struggles mount for the Patriots, Giants and Jets

It’s been more than a decade since the NFL featured three offenses as challenged as the ones for the New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants.

Keep reading

51 mins agoDecember 6, 2023

Decades after Europe, turning blades send first commercial offshore wind power onto US grid

Despite some recent financial setbacks, U.S. offshore windpower has hit a milestone. An 800-foot tall turbine is now sending electricity onto the grid from a commercial-scale offshore wind farm on pace to be the country’s first.

Keep reading

1 hour agoDecember 6, 2023

What’s Up Interview: Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz, playing Union Station in Providence on Dec. 15

Founder of indie rock band on touring, the workplace, and their new album ‘Rabbit, Rabbit’

Keep reading

4 hours agoDecember 6, 2023

DEM stocking Melville Pond next week with Sebago Salmon, Brook, and Rainbow Trout

Upper and Lower Melville Ponds in Portsmouth will be stocked after the recent lifting of Cyanobacteria alerts

Keep reading

4 hours agoDecember 6, 2023

Portsmouth waterfront home sells for $2.7 million

The renovated Cape sits on nearly 1 acre of waterfront property, including three bedrooms and four full & 1 half bathrooms across 4,210 square feet.

Keep reading

4 hours agoDecember 6, 2023

Dr. Michael Fine: What’s Crazy About Hepatitis C, HIV, and Colon Cancer

It’s crazy we haven’t provided primary care to all Americans.

Keep reading

4 hours agoDecember 6, 2023

Salve Regina University launches $75 million fundraising campaign

Salve Regina University has launched the largest fundraising campaign in the school’s history, Our Mission. Our Moment, with a set goal of $75 million.

Keep reading

5 hours agoDecember 6, 2023