US Bridges

I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River

Fair

Kent County, Rhode Island · 0.5 MI N of JCT I-95 · Structure no. 000000000007210

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
179 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,544
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River in Kent County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 59 years old, older than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 18,544 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,253 by 2036. The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-295 NB
CrossesPawtuxet River
Location0.5 MI N of JCT I-95
RouteInterstate 295
CountyKent County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.71988, -71.47706
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,544 (2015)
Projected traffic22,253 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$13 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River carry?

About 18,544 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns I-295 NB over Pawtuxet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.