State officials join RIDOT in celebrating opening of new Henderson Bridge

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — State senators, congressmen and members of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation gathered Monday morning to celebrate the opening of the new Henderson Bridge connecting Providence and East Providence.

After the bridge opened to traffic earlier this month, RIDOT has been able to shift drivers off a bridge that has been structurally deficient for the last 30 years.

The $84.4 million project was largely supported by an additional $54.4 million in federal funding for Rhode Island, authored by Senator Jack Reed to assist with repairing and replacing the parts of the bridge in the poorest conditions.

The bridge also includes a new shared-use bike path, which is completely separated from vehicular traffic.

Officials said the new design creates a unique economic development opportunity on the East Providence waterfront, as the construction freed up approximately 25 acres of land.

“The new bridge includes dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, which enhances safety, reduces congestion, and improves public health,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.