Veterans Memorial Bridge
Woonsocket, RI
The City of Woonsocket, responsible for maintaining a severely deteriorating structure, engaged PARE to perform a condition survey and alternative design study for the rehabilitation of the Court Street Bridge. Pare conducted an exhaustive inspection of more than 1,300 members and joints of this 520-foot-long, 25-foot-deep, 4-span steel truss bridge that crosses the Blackstone River and Truman Drive. Pare then completed a design study report for the RI Department of Transportation to present feasible replacement and rehabilitation alternatives for the steel structure.
A new superstructure with historic replicated railing and sidewalk lighting was the selected alternative. The existing trusses and floor beams were demolished. A new superstructure consisting of haunched steel plate girders supporting a composite concrete deck and sidewalks was constructed to carry vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This alternative maintains the historical value of the old bridge while providing a new structure.
During construction, Pare provided construction observation, including full-time monitoring of proof tests for rock anchor installation.