DOT’s director, Jerome F. Williams, says the bridge is safe, and that the work is an attempt to ensure it remains so.

“RIDOT inspects all of its bridges at least once every two years,” Williams said in a statement, “RIDOT has monitored and repaired this bridge consistently since 2002. A full inspection was conducted summer 2006 with additional inspections late this summer.”

At least one lane will be open at all times during the work, which is set to begin tonight at 11 and continue through tomorrow morning. Northbound work will begin on the northbound side of Route 95 near Exits 27 and 28. Southbound work is scheduled to start Sunday at 11 p.m. and continue until 5:30 a.m. Monday.

DOT officials will announce details about replacing the bridge toward the end of the month, according to spokeswoman Dana Alexander Nolfe. "

Nolfe said the Department has been in contact with trucking companies to work out viable detours. Non-commercial traffic and service vehicles, such as ambulances, won't be affected, she said.

The Pawtucket River Bridge is a part of the original interstate system. It was built in 1958 to carry traffic over Taft Street and the Pawtucket River. It is actually two separate structures; it has two girders with cantilever brackets on each side. This is the only one of its kind on Route 95 in Rhode Island. The bridge is formed by two projecting trusses that are connected in the center, supported by piers, and anchored by counterbalancing members.