Portsmouth bridge repairs delayed

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - People living in one Portsmouth neighborhood are raising concerns, after the DOT delays repairs to a deteriorating bridge that is their only way out during an emergency.

The DOT tells Eyewitness News that concerns over environmental permitting have delayed repairs to the Cove Bridge in Portsmouth, also known as the Escape Bridge.

"We here in Island Park, we're gonna have to live through another hurricane season with no way out," says John McDaid, who fears the deteriorating bridge is putting himself and his neighbors in danger.

"What we've heard from the DOT is that the substructure has to be completely replaced."

The project had to be delayed, even after the bridge's worsening condition prompted a the DOT to reduce the weight limit to just four tons.

"I'm concerned that if it went from ten to four in one year, where will we be by this time next year?" asks McDaid.

But the DOT insists it is keeping a close eye on the bridge, and hopes to begin repairs as soon as possible.

"We're looking for construction to begin in the next construction season, which will be next summer," says RIDOT Deputy Chief Design Engineer Bob Smith.

"We're expediting the design right now, as long as we can get through the environmental permitting, then that should happen."

The DOT expects it will only take one construction season to actually complete the project. It is expected to cost between two and three million dollars.