The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) purchased new trucks that will be used to maintain the state’s bridges. RIDOT purchased six tanker trucks outfitted with high-pressure water nozzles that allow the operator to clean the sides and deck of a bridge in a moving operation, generally at 5-10 mph.

On average, the trucks are capable of cleaning five to six bridges per day, depending on size. These new additions will also significantly reduce the time needed to close a travel lane for maintenance.

"For years the size of our maintenance staff has dwindled, and we weren't making the investments we needed to give them the right tools for the job. Now we're investing in new technology, increasing our staff and making sure we're well-equipped to properly maintain our roads and bridges," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said.

In addition to the bridge washing trucks, RIDOT also purchased four bucket trucks with high-pressure wands so workers can clean the underside of bridges. The $2 million investment for these 10 vehicles is part of a $26 million plan to expand the state maintenance fleet and replace outdated or inefficient older equipment.

The new bridge washing trucks are manufactured by Volvo and outfitted by Reed Systems Products, a transportation maintenance specialty company from upstate New York. Anderson Motors in East Providence is the local Volvo truck vendor RIDOT purchased the trucks through.

Today we previewed our six new bridge washing trucks, which will be used to remove road salts, sand and other debris from the state's 1,179 bridges. You can see one up close this weekend at the @volvooceanrace at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Visit: https://t.co/KNC834jL8qpic.twitter.com/njZmdL7Q5K

— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) May 17, 2018

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