09-R050

2009 -- H 5389

Enacted 02/10/09

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO BEGIN REPAIRS TO THE COVE BRIDGE

Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Gallison, and A Rice

Date Introduced: February 10, 2009

     WHEREAS, The Cove Bridge, also known as “The Escape Bridge,” is located in Island

Park, Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It is a state bridge and state road, thereby falling under the

responsibility of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation; and

     WHEREAS, In May of 2008, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)

issued new weight restrictions for the bridge, prohibiting all vehicles over 10 tons from crossing.

These restrictions have prohibited emergency vehicles and tractor-trailers from using the bridge,

and has forced them to seek alternate routes; and

     WHEREAS, On average more than 2,000 vehicles cross the Cove Bridge daily, including

buses of kindergarten, elementary, middle, high and parochial school students that use the bridge

as part of their normal route. The buses have been rerouted, causing additional time delays for

local school children; and

     WHEREAS, The Cove Bridge is an essential part of the transportation infrastructure for

nearby neighborhoods and businesses, and proper maintenance and repairs are urgently needed

for long-term continued existence and vitality of Portsmouth and the surrounding towns; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby urges the Director of the Department of Transportation to

prioritize and immediately begin repairs to the Cove Bridge; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Department of

Transportation.

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LC01109

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