EAST PROVIDENCE — Demolition of the Hunts Mill Bridge, the busy span carrying motorists Pleasant Street) over the Ten Mile River in East Providence connecting with neighboring Seekonk, began in earnest in recent weeks.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation reiterated this week the bridge will remain closed until the end of the calendar year as the span is razed, which is likely to take at least the rest of August and possibly enter into September.

Soon after demolition is complete the rebuilding process is expected to begin immediately.

Motorists are being asked to follow the signed detours around the closed bridge, with police officers from East Providence and Seekonk in place to assist as necessary. Drivers can get to and from each municipality by using roads in each. RIDOT has placed detour signs directing motorists to use Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence as well as Pleasant Street.

In addition, Taunton Avenue, which crosses into both jurisdictions, along with Fall River Avenue in Seekonk also have detour signs in place as do parts of Newman Avenue and Arcade Avenue and Ledge Road. As always in these instances, motorists are urged to plan extra time for travel.

The bridge was formally closed to traffic on July 22. It will be completely replaced and reopen it to traffic some time in December. Final completion of the project, including sidewalks and other amenities, isn’t expected to be finished until the summer 2023.

The bridge carries approximately 11,420 vehicles per day and is an important route connecting homes on either side of the river and businesses along the Route 44 corridor and Rumford as well as those in Seekonk and Routes 6 and 6A.

The 96-year-old span was built in 1926 and has been classified as structurally deficient since 2011. RIDOT will replicate the bridge's historic features while replacing it with a modern structure.

RIDOT has taken this approach with many other bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects to preserve the ornate or historically significant features while still maintaining current safety standards.

The bridge was formally closed to traffic on July 22. It will be completely replaced and reopen it to traffic some time in December. Final completion of the project, including sidewalks and other amenities, isn’t expected to be finished until the summer 2023.

The bridge carries approximately 11,420 vehicles per day and is an important route connecting homes on either side of the river and businesses along the Route 44 corridor and Rumford as well as those in Seekonk and Routes 6 and 6A.