Acrow Bridges Restore Key Links on Rhode Island’s East Bay Bike Path

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Two critical bridges along Rhode Island’s East Bay Bike Path, originally constructed in the 1880s as railroad bridges and later converted for bike use in the 1980s, have been successfully replaced with modern modular steel bridges. The East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile paved recreational trail extending from Providence to Bristol, serves cyclists, pedestrians, commuters, and visitors. Due to deterioration, both structures were closed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) in 2019. The temporary detours, including bike path segments and boardwalks along adjacent vehicular bridges, were in place to maintain uninterrupted access during reconstruction.

RIDOT selected Acrow’s prefabricated modular steel bridges to address the project’s structural, environmental, and budgetary challenges. The new bridges, installed in the towns of Barrington and Warren, offer rapid installation, a long service life, and minimal environmental impact. Each bridge is supported by a single central pier, significantly reducing in-water work and disruption to riverbeds and surrounding aquatic habitats. The Barrington bridge spans the Barrington River at 280 feet (85.34m) in length, while the Warren bridge covers the Palmer River at 300 feet (91.44m). Both structures feature a walkway width of 14 feet (4.5m) and a durable silica sand deck designed for long-term performance and low maintenance. Additionally, the bridges are equipped to support electrical duct banks hung on the underside of the structure, facilitating current and future utility installations.

Acrow, serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 75 years, has been involved in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 150 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. The company’s extensive experience and innovative solutions have made it a leading international bridge engineering and supply company.

The successful completion and opening of the new bridges have restored key links on the East Bay Bike Path, enhancing safety, connectivity, and long-term resilience for the region’s most heavily used recreational corridor.