Bridge closed in Coventry due to ‘serious deficiencies’

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) made the decision to close a bridge in Coventry on Monday.

RIDOT officials say Cahoone Road Bridge has been closed until further notice due to ‘serious bridge deficiencies’ caused by high river levels in January.

RIDOT says it has conducted a number of bridge inspections to check for flood impact after heavy rainfall in mid-January.

Cahoone Road Bridge’s inspection came on Monday and resulted in RIDOT’s recommendation that the structure be closed to traffic.

Coventry Director of Public Works Kevin McGee says RIDOT contacted him around 6:30 p.m. that evening indicating the bridge had to be closed immediately.

Coventry Public Works crews responded, closing the bridge by 8:30 p.m., per McGee.

Officials are advising commuters to seek alternate routes and have not provided a timetable for repair at this time.