Rhode Island Family Alleges Flooding Linked to Sakonnet Bridge

A family that lives on the north side of the new Sakonnet River Bridge in Tiverton, R.I., has filed suit against the state and bridge contractor, alleging drainage problems with the new span have led to erosion and flooding.

Franklin Raposa tells the Newport Daily News his basement has flooded three times and part of the bridge embankment collapsed after a March rain storm, closing Evans Avenue.

He says the state Department of Transportation and bridge builder Cardi Corp have done little to address the drainage problems, which he says also have led to sink holes in the neighborhood.

DOT spokeswoman Rose Amoros tells the newspaper it is having Cardi inspect the drainage system and assess the situation.

Steven Cardi II told the newspaper he wasn’t aware of the problem.