Bridge Group 18C

  • Bridge Group 97 Project
    Frenchtown Road over Route 4 Northbound, East Greenwich RI
  • Bridge Group 97 Project
    Construction on Frenchtown Road over Route 4 Northbound, East Greenwich RI
  • Bridge Group 97 Project
    Route 2 Bridge over Route 4, East Greenwich RI

The Project

This project will replace three deficient or near-to-deficient bridges close to the Route 4 corridor on the East Greenwich/North Kingstown line. Where possible, RIDOT is using accelerated bridge construction methods to reduce the duration of these projects and overall impact to motorists. RIDOT also is employing block-style foundations that can be erected under the existing bridges while RIDOT conducts other work in preparation for demolition of old bridge structures. These blocks are less costly to build than traditional footings, but are just as durable and effective. These foundations are often located closer to the road, saving considerable cost in steel as compared to the older design with longer spans over non-road areas. In addition to construction savings, there are savings with operations and maintenance with a shorter span.

Other Project Highlights
  • Replacement of the South County Trail (Route 2) Bridge over Route 4. The bridge is 52 years old and in fair condition but only one rating point away from being classified as structurally deficient. It carries approximately 13,400 vehicles per day. RIDOT is utilizing the block-style foundations for this bridge.
  • Replacement of the Frenchtown Road (Route 402) Bridge over Route 4. The bridge is 52 years old and is classified as structurally deficient. It carries 15,250 vehicles per day.
  • Replacement of the Devil's Foot Road Bridge over Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. The bridge currently has a 5-ton weight limit and is classified as structurally deficient. It was built in 2007 as part of the Route 403 highway project, but RIDOT determined that the concrete box beams used in its construction had a fabrication defect and its superstructure needed to be replaced. It carries approximately 5,200 vehicles per day. We are working to open this bridge by late winter/early spring 2026.

Project Schedule & Cost

  • Location: East Greenwich/North Kingstown
  • Start Construction: 2024
  • Finish Construction: 2027
  • Total Projected Cost: $76.8 Million
  • Detours Needed: Yes

PROJECT UPDATES | JULY 10, 2026

Starting tonight at 8 p.m., we are scheduled to begin the process of returning traffic to its original configuration on Frenchtown Road (Route 402) where it passes over Route 4 at the Frenchtown Road Bridge in East Greenwich. First, we'll shift the current temporary two-lane traffic pattern to the north side of the bridge. Then we'll finish work on the bridge deck and approaches, which will take approximately one week. Following all this work, we'll reopen two lanes of traffic in each direction on Frenchtown Road. The traffic signals at Frenchtown and Davisville roads will return to pre-construction conditions, and the left-turn restrictions will be removed.

Overnight next week, we'll have alternating lane closures on Route 4 North, from Exit 5 to Exit 9, for ongoing bridge work at the Frenchtown Road Bridge, Sunday – Thursday nights, from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Click here for the latest lane closure information