Sakonnet River Bridge plan moves ahead

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - After years of delays, the construction of the new Sakonnet River Bridge is moving forward. Rhode Island Department of Transportation has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on April 24.

RIDOT also announced Friday that it awarded Cardi Corporation the $163.7 million contract to build the span, which will bring Route 24 over the Sakonnet River, connecting Portsmouth and Tiverton.

RIDOT said it expects the new bridge to open to traffic sometime in 2012. However, they said the span could open one year earlier because the contract with Cardi does contain and early incentive clause.

The new bridge will replace the current Sakonnet River Bridge. The 53-year-old span is crumbling, and has been under weight restrictions for several  years.

The old bridge will be demolished once the new span opens.