Bowman was engaged by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to modernize the architectural lighting system on the Pawtucket River Bridge, a symbolic feature of the I-95 corridor seen by thousands of drivers daily. Over time, maintaining the system had become increasingly difficult and disruptive, causing inconsistent operation.
Accessing the lighting controls previously required lane closures on I-95 and elevated work near live traffic and water, and the control equipment’s hard-to-reach location further complicated routine maintenance. RIDOT needed a solution that improved reliability while allowing future work to be completed safely and without repeated traffic impacts, all within a condensed schedule and strict traffic control limitations that left minimal tolerance for interstate closures.
Bowman designed comprehensive upgrades, replacing existing fixtures with LED lighting to improve driver visibility and energy efficiency, and relocated the lighting control system from the bridge structure to ground-mounted enclosures. This allows future maintenance without lane closures or elevated access, reducing risk to crews and eliminating recurring traffic disruptions.
Read the project case study here.
Project Awards
2025 First Place Gold Anchor Award – American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island
