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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM CUTS RIBBON ON NEW COVERED BRIDGE AND HANDCAPPED-ACCESSIBLE FISHING PLATFORM AT LINCOLN WOODS STATE PARK PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Town of Lincoln, this morning dedicated a new covered bridge and handicapped-accessible fishing platform on Table Rock Road at the northeast entrance to Lincoln Woods State Park. Located in one of the state's most densely populated urban areas, Lincoln Woods attracts close to one million people each year.The new 51-foot long structure is one of a handful of covered bridges in Rhode Island. It features a pre-stressed box beam superstructure, timber approach and bridge rails, and a timber truss. New concrete abutments were constructed behind the stone abutments from the old bridge, adding strength to the rustic style of the new structure. A fenced, handicapped-accessible fishing platform ranging from five to eight feet wide has been incorporated along the entire length of one side of the bridge. "With today's dedication of this new covered bridge and fishing platform at Lincoln Woods, we are providing improved public access to Rhode Island's most heavily used state park and one of the Blackstone Valley's greatest treasures. This beautiful new structure will serve as a gateway to the park for vehicles and pedestrians alike, and contribute to the tremendous quality of place we enjoy in Rhode Island," said DEM Acting Director Frederick J. Vincent. The new covered bridge will accommodate two lanes of motor vehicle traffic, and replaces a bridge that was built in the 1930s and demolished last year. The old bridge was replaced because of structural deficiencies found during routine inspection by the Department of Transportation three years ago. At that time, DEM made short-term emergency repairs, reinforcing the center span of the bridge. Director Vincent noted that one of the most important features about the construction of his new bridge is that it was a cooperative effort, done in partnership with the state and federal governments, with the full support of the Town of Lincoln. He also noted that funding for the $700,000 project came from a combination of state recreational bond funds ($323,589) and federal Land and Water Conservation funds ($376,411). "The citizens of Rhode Island, who overwhelmingly approved the last open space and recreation bond issue in 2000, were largely responsible for making this project possible," said Vincent. "We hope to continue making improvements like this throughout out state park system, but to do so we are counting on Rhode Islanders to step forward once again and vote yes on Question #8 on the ballot on November 2." If approved, Question #8 - the $70 million Open Space, Recreation, Bay and Watershed Protection Bond - will provide $18 million, and leverage another $11 million in matching funds, for park lands, playgrounds, ball fields, trails, greenway links, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, historic Fort Adams, and other public recreational facilities. "This gateway enhancement into one of the Blackstone Valley's premier state parks is a terrific example of a state and federal partnership," said Sue Andrews, Director of Heritage Preservation and Development for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. "The National Park Service is pleased to contribute $376,411 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for this important reconstruction project." "On behalf of the Town of Lincoln, we're pleased that the Great Road access to Lincoln Woods State Park is once again available to our residents," said Lincoln Town Administrator Sue Sheppard. "The park offers wonderful recreational opportunities, and the addition of this covered bridge and fishing platform will add to Great Road's charm and historic character." Following ribbon-cutting ceremonies, a blue 1963 Ford Falcon owned by Ray Chevalier of Glocester, president of the Falcon Club, made the maiden drive over the covered bridge. The new bridge was designed by Fuss & O'Neill, Inc. of Providence, and Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. of Newport. Universal Construction, Inc. of Johnston was the contractor for the reconstruction project, and American Dream Post & Beam, of Cranston, assembled the covered bridge portion of the structure. Funding for the $700,000 construction project included $376,411 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the balance from state recreational bond funds. -30- |
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