The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will detour two bus routes and drastically reduce service during the Mount Hope Bridge closure this week.
RIPTA announced Routes 60 and 61x will be detoured beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 17, as the bridge closes for resurfacing work.
Route 60, which normally provides direct service between Providence and Newport, will not travel over the bridge during the closure. Passengers needing to travel between the two cities should use Route 14 or Route 24L instead, RIPTA said.
The transit authority will offer supplemental express trips on Route 14 after 7 p.m. while the bridge is closed to help accommodate displaced riders.
Route 61x will also face significant changes during the closure period. Inbound trips will travel the regular route to Fish Road Park & Ride and Portsmouth Park & Ride, then continue express to Providence. The route will not serve Warren, Bristol or Barrington on Friday, Aug. 15.
RIPTA officials warned passengers that service will be drastically reduced during the bridge closure and advised riders to plan accordingly.
Temporary schedules for Route 60 and supplemental Route 14 express trips are available at RIPTA.com/detour.
The Mount Hope Bridge is scheduled to close from 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, for resurfacing work by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.
