Governor McKee, RIDOT Provide Update on Route 10 On-Ramp
Published on Monday, April 27, 2026
Amtrak Approves RIDOT to begin work tonight at 9:00 p.m.
Governor Calls for Inspection of 7 Similar Bridges, Accelerates Process for Hiring Additional RIDOT Oversight Staff Pending General Assembly Approval
CRANSTON, RI — At a press conference today, Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Interim Director Bob Rocchio provided an update on the parapet and Amtrak safety shield that dislodged from the Route 10 North/Route 95 North on-ramp on Friday night. Governor McKee also outlined several actions the state is taking in response.
Parapets are the low walls along the sides of a bridge and, in this case, were concrete. The safety shields are taller metal features attached to the parapet and are required for Amtrak’s electrified trains below. The original bridge was built in 1965, while the safety shields were attached by Amtrak in 1999.
“My goal is to reopen the on-ramp safely and as quickly as possible,” said Governor McKee. “This bridge is an example of decades of neglect, and my administration has been prioritizing long-overdue bridge repairs and improvements. This incident underscores the urgency of continuing that work and ensuring sustainable funding to address aging infrastructure.”
The state secured $251 million, the largest federal award in Rhode Island history, to replace and rehabilitate 15 bridges along this corridor, including this structure.
Immediate Response and Amtrak Service Restoration
After the parapet and Amtrak safety shield were dislodged, crews mobilized quickly, secured the area, cleared debris, and worked to restore Amtrak service as quickly as possible. Most importantly, there were no injuries or accidents. Governor McKee was on site Friday night and returned multiple times over the weekend to monitor progress and speak with crews. As of 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, all Amtrak rail service has been fully restored, though the on-ramp remains closed until a temporary barrier and Amtrak safety shield can be installed and the bridge can be deemed safe for travel.
Reopening Timeline and Repair Coordination
The Governor emphasized that reopening the on-ramp safely and quickly is a top priority. Because the ramp runs over electrified rail lines, Amtrak determines when crews can safely work. Over the weekend, Governor McKee formally requested extended work windows from Amtrak. Amtrak is permitting RIDOT to begin work Monday, April 27, at 9:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28.
Cause Under Review
RIDOT is actively working to determine the cause of the incident. The bridge undergoes annual inspections. The 2026 inspection process had already begun on the piers under the bridge.
Safety Measures and Immediate Action Steps
In response, the Governor directed RIDOT to:
- As a precaution, inspect and secure the seven bridges with similar parapet and Amtrak safety shield designs. Six of those bridges are already under contract for full replacement.
- Expedite the job postings for the bridge inspection oversight positions included in the Governor’s FY 27 budget, pending General Assembly approval
Public Updates
Information, including the latest inspection report, is available at RIDOT.net/route10ramp.