Demolition of the India Point Railroad Bridge, Seekonk River, Providence, Rhode Island

The India Point Railroad Bridge was a double-tracked center bearing swing-bridge located on the west side of the Seekonk River. The bridge was constructed by the Boston Bridge Works in 1902. It consisted of two end-to-end steel Baltimore through trusses riveted together joined by a central tower, resting on a central granite pier. The swing bridge was approximately 223 feet long by 29 feet wide (inside width) by 35 feet high and was protected by a wooden timber fender system. The bridge was officially abandoned for rail traffic by the New Haven Railroad in 1974 and subsequently sold to the City of Providence as part of a deal for the Fox Point freight yard (now India Point Park). In 2002 the swing-bridge and center pier were removed. This project calls for removal of the remaining two bridge trusses. The remaining span is directly adjacent to the yacht club dock which will require protection. The span is approximately 181 feet long, 15 feet high, with an outside dimension of 36 feet wide. Demolition will include removal of steel clad concrete piers to roughly 2 feet below the mud line, and abandoned supports, including all substructure features, except the granite block abutment at the east end of the bridge, which shall remain and be protected. Demolition and removal of steel superstructure; demolition and removal of timber pilings and fender system. Likely removal methods include working from a barge with a crane, possible underwater work, and the use of a silt curtain and/or other necessary environmental precautions. A contractor will either remove each span piecemeal or in larger sections for disposal off-site. Marine navigation could be impacted during some of the demolition process. The Seekonk River is tidal.

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Existing Conditions, Demolition.