The Mount Hope Bridge will close to all traffic for four days starting Thursday evening as crews work to resurface the span connecting Bristol and Portsmouth.
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced the bridge will be closed from 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, weather permitting.
During the closure, crews will mill the existing road surface and apply an ultra-thin bonded overlay from curb to curb to create a smoother driving surface, according to RITBA.
“We know that residents will be inconvenienced by this closure and are encouraging people to plan ahead,” said Lori Caron Silveira, RITBA’s executive director. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to a smoother surface on this beautiful bridge.”
The bridge will be completely closed to all vehicles, including emergency responders. RITBA officials said they have been working with Bristol and Portsmouth town leaders and first responders to coordinate detours and communication during the construction period.
If severe weather interferes with the work, the project will be rescheduled for a weekend in September, RITBA said.
The new road surface is expected to last approximately five years. A complete redecking of the bridge, last done in 1985, is planned as part of RITBA’s future capital projects.
More information is available at www.ritba.org or by following RITBA on Facebook, X and Instagram.