US Bridges

Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av

Poor

Providence County, Rhode Island · 2.0 MI N of JCT I-95 · Structure no. 000000000004280

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
65,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av in Providence County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 68 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 65,800 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,380 by 2041. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 106 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRi 146 Ed Dowl HWY
CrossesBranch Av
Location2.0 MI N of JCT I-95
RouteState Highway 146
CountyProvidence County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.85307, -71.42656
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width106 ft (32.3 m)
Roadway width97 ft (29.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,800 (2021)
Projected traffic72,380 by 2041
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$26.4 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av carry?

About 65,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 106 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 146 Ed Dowl HWY over Branch Av?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.