The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) built a new 1,315-foot structure on the existing Henderson Bridge, demolished the existing superstructure, partially demolished the substructure and constructed temporary pier shoring towers, new steel pier caps and new steel girder superstructure.
The reconstruction’s success earned sixth place on our list of 2024 bridge projects, and it was just in the nick of time. The westbound Washington Bridge, which sits 1.6 miles down the Seekonk River in Providence, R.I., closed right after the Henderson Bridge reopened this year.
Named for its designer, engineer George Henderson, the new Henderson Bridge provides additional capacity for the increased traffic that is being diverted. It also provides ADA compliant sidewalks, crosswalks and new shared use paths allowing for pedestrians and cyclists.
After years of planning, RIDOT began reconstructing the Henderson Bridge in 2020.
RIDOT received $54.5 million in federal funds to allocate towards the project. VHB hopped on the project as the designers of the reconstructed structure. Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. came on as the contractors.
During the design phase, drones and GPS technology were used to collect survey data.
The team incorporated the input from Providence and East Providence during the design phase to create a bridge that would be beneficial to commuters and those seeking a recreation of the structure.
The team replaced an old, structurally deficient bridge and reconstructed the Providence and East Providence roadway approaches to the bridge. They also removed the Massasoit Avenue interchange ramp system and constructed a multi-lane roundabout, as well as a new storm drainage system.
A significant amount of marine work was required. Coordination and managing access and schedule on the water was important due to tides, Harbormaster authorization and two Time of Year Restrictions for specified marine life.
The old Henderson Bridge had six lanes. The project team reduced the size and made it a narrower three-lane bridge. They also converted the raised ramp interchanges to at-grade intersections. Two lanes were planned to run westbound with one lane running eastbound.
Approximately 25 acres of land was made available for the new structure.
This design and the land acquisition created more efficient access management for future development. It also decreases the need for future bridge maintenance.
To demolish the bridge, temporary steel shoring towers were erected under portions of the old bridge to allow for phased partial selective demolition while maintaining traffic on a portion of the bridge. The tower installations work took place primarily on the Seekonk River.
After the demolition of the old structure, crews began construction on the new bridge. Crews could not place heavy equipment on the existing bridge due to the load restrictions.
Crews had to utilize alternative methods to place concrete for the multiple piers and bridge deck placements. This resulted in concrete having to be conveyed over long distances, requiring multiple pumps and long slick line assemblies.
Without the federal funding, this bridge may have taken longer to reconstruct. This is a problem with many bridge projects in the U.S.
Luckily, this project got the necessary funding, improving safety and transportation in the region. It was opened ahead of schedule in the fall.
Project: Reconstruction of The Henderson Bridge
Location: Providence, R.I.
Owners: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Designer: VHB
Contractor: Barletta Heavy Division, Inc.
Cost: $69,893,091
Length: 1,315 Feet
