UPDATE – According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the Newell Bridge on Diamond Hill Road has reopened as of Sunday evening, following final work on the span this weekend.
CUMBERLAND – There’s still a way to get to the Ice Cream Machine, Diamond Park, or neighboring Woonsocket or Wrentham, it’ll just take a little longer.
Starting May 1 and running through May 3, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation has temporarily closed the Newell Bridge in Cumberland to replace the remaining portion of the span and do final paving on the replacement project.
The bridge carries Diamond Hill Road (Route 114) over the East Sneech Brook near the Bentley Field Complex, just north of the intersection with Nate Whipple Highway (Route 120).
There was originally some concern given the bridge’s small but important stature that a full closure would cause major disruption to homes and businesses, particularly with limited detour options, so RIDOT agreed to go with the option where closures would be most limited.
The closure is going through the weekend, with all lanes opening by 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. While the bridge is closed, RIDOT suggests drivers consider alternate routes depending on their origin and destination and provide additional time for travel. The Department has established a signed detour route with trailblazing signs to guide motorists, using Nate Whipple Highway, Mendon Road (Route 122), West Wrentham Road and Pine Swamp Road.
