Council authorizes mayor to enter agreements with RIDOT for repairs to two bridges

The City Council committee voted to authorize the mayor to enter into construction and maintenance agreements with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to address critical repairs on two city bridges.

City staff described the collaboration as a way for the state to fund and manage construction while the city continues design and permitting work. The bridges discussed included Memorial Boulevard North Bridge, which staff said is scheduled for longer-term rehabilitation in 2030, and the Pointe Street Bridge, which will appear on the state's program for 2031.

Staff described the current work as targeted repairs and maintenance that the state will fund and manage in consultation with city officials; longer-term rehabilitation or replacement will be addressed on the state's timeline. The committee approved the resolution authorizing the mayor to enter agreements with RIDOT.

The approval means the city will continue permitting and design efforts and hand plans to RIDOT for state-led construction and funding.