The Mount Hope Bridge will be completely closed to traffic for nearly four days next month as crews work to install a new road surface, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced Wednesday.
The bridge connecting Bristol and Portsmouth will shut down at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, and remain closed until 5 a.m. on Monday, August 18, weather permitting. All traffic, including emergency vehicles, will be prohibited from crossing during the construction period.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we get this work done,” said Lori Caron Silveira, Executive Director of RITBA. “We know that everyone will welcome a smoother ride over the bridge and hope that the advance notice will help people make their plans to seek alternate routes for that weekend.”
The project involves milling the existing road surface and applying an ultra-thin bonded overlay from curb to curb. The new surface is expected to last approximately five years and will provide drivers with a smoother crossing experience.
RITBA officials said they have been coordinating closely with municipal leaders and first responders in both Bristol and Portsmouth to prepare for the temporary closure. The authority emphasized that no emergency vehicle crossings will be permitted during construction, making coordination with local emergency services critical.
If severe weather impacts the scheduled work dates, the project will be postponed to a weekend in September.
The resurfacing represents a temporary solution while RITBA plans for more extensive work in the coming years. The bridge’s deck was last completely replaced in 1985, and a full redecking project is included in the authority’s upcoming capital improvement plans.
Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes for the extended weekend closure. The Mount Hope Bridge typically serves as a key connector between Aquidneck Island and the mainland, making the closure likely to impact traffic patterns throughout the region.
For updates on the project and additional information, residents can visit www.ritba.org or follow RITBA on social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram.