Project Overview
The RIDOT Bridge Group 97 project in Warwick, Rhode Island, involved the full replacement of two Route 113 (East Ave) bridges spanning I-95 and I-295, a major east-west corridor that carries up to 33,000 vehicles daily. Delivered through a design-build approach, United Concrete Products served as the precast concrete producer and specialty engineer, providing integrated solutions that combined innovative design, precise fabrication, and efficient construction support.
United Concrete Products collaborated closely with the design build team to optimize precast concrete designs that were highly constructible and aligned with the project's accelerated schedule. Their collaboration also allowed for early identification of potential construction challenges, reducing risk and improving overall project efficiency.
Construction was executed in multiple phases, with approximately 75% of each structure installed during Phase One and the remaining elements completed in Phase Two. This phased approach was critical to maintaining traffic flow while advancing an aggressive project schedule.
Precast Solution
United Concrete Products supplied a full suite of precast components, including approach slabs, abutment components, prefabricated bridge units, piers and columns, and deck panels. By utilizing precast concrete, the project benefited from off-site fabrication under controlled conditions, ensuring superior quality, precise dimensions, and long-term durability. The off-site production also allowed for detailed quality inspections, material testing, and consistent finish before delivery, reducing the potential for on-site delays or rework.
The precast elements feature a finish combining as-cast concrete with exposed aggregate achieved through surface retarders, resulting in visually appealing and durable bridge components that meet RIDOT's long-term performance goals.
United's specialty engineering optimized each component for constructability, structural performance, and ease of installation, coordinating closely with the project General Contractor, J.H. Lynch & Sons Inc., and their erector Saugus Construction to ensure a seamless workflow on-site, helping to minimize lane closures and traffic disruptions along one of Rhode Island's busiest corridors.
With over 150 precast elements incorporated into the project, the logistics and coordination were critical to success. Many of these components were live-offloaded - delivered to the site and set directly into their final position - eliminating the need for on-site staging and double handling. This approach required precise scheduling and communication to ensure the right pieces arrived at the right time, keeping installation crews productive and maintaining project momentum despite the complexity and number of moving parts.
This approach allowed the team to accelerate construction without compromising quality or safety, while reducing risk and community impact. The use of prefabricated bridge units enabled precise alignment and rapid deck placement, further enhancing overall project schedule reliability. By enabling simultaneous off-site fabrication and on-site preparation, United Concrete's precast solution significantly shortened the overall project timeline of this complex $102M project. United Concrete's dual expertise as producer and specialty engineer ensured that all components were designed, fabricated, and delivered with precision, contributing to a faster, safer, and more predictable bridge replacement process.
Recipient of 2026 PCINE Showcase Awards | Best in Precast: Transportation
Warwick Corridor Project - Bridge Group 97 earned the 2026 PCINE Showcase Award for Best in Precast: Transportation for its innovative and efficient use of precast concrete to deliver safe, durable, and visually appealing bridge replacements.
United Concrete Products' integrated approach demonstrates how precast solutions can meet strict structural, safety, and aesthetic goals while achieving schedule and budget efficiencies, resulting in a durable, high-quality infrastructure asset. |