The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) earlier this morning reopened the on-ramp from Route 10 North to I-95 North in Cranston. The ramp was closed temporarily after an Amtrak electrical shield and parapet fell onto the train tracks below the structure on April 24.
Following a request from Governor Dan McKee to Amtrak, RIDOT secured extended windows of time for overnight shutdowns of Amtrak's high-voltage system so work could proceed safely.
RIDOT worked with Amtrak throughout the process, with all debris cleared from the tracks the next day and all three Amtrak tracks restored to normal service in time for the morning commute on Monday, April 27. Amtrak approved RIDOT's plans to install a series of barriers, temporary electrical shields and additional bracing so the bridge could be reopened to traffic.
At the Governor's direction, RIDOT is in the process of inspecting six bridges with similar Amtrak electrical shields and parapets. The Department is developing a plan to provide bracing and support for the Amtrak electrical shields and parapets on those structures.
The safety of travelers is RIDOT's top priority.
| Update on Route 10 North to Route 95 North On-Ramp Project |
| Governor McKee, RIDOT Provide Update on Route 10 On-Ramp |
| Letter from Governor McKee to Amtrak |
The section of the ramp that dislodged is a parapet with an Amtrak electrical shield attached. The 2026 inspection of the bridge is underway and began on March 29. The following are previous inspection reports and accompanying photographs.
The following are the most recent inspection reports for bridges with similar Amtrak electrical shields and parapets as the ramp RIDOT closed. All but one of these bridges is under contract for replacement. The other bridge, carrying the Airport Connector over Amtrak, is rated in fair condition. RIDOT will take precautionary measures for bracing on all these bridges.