PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Newly released data collected throughout the overnight demolition of the defunct Washington Bridge has revealed that the noise level stayed within the acceptable threshold. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) recorded the data by placing three microphones near the bridge — one on each side and another at the end of Wade Street in Providence, which is the closest neighborhood to the work zone. The data, collected between 9 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday, shows a number of instances where the noise surpassed 75 decibels. The noise appears to have peaked just before midnight on both sides of the bridge. 12 News asked RIDOT whether 75 decibels is considered an "unacceptable" noise level. RIDOT's Charles St. Martin explained that the 75-decibel level threshold "provides useful trend information for the project." "Per the terms of the contract, sound levels cannot exceed 90 decibels at a residence or other occupied building," St. Martin said. "Based on the readings, the contractor did not exceed the 90-decibel level." TARGET 12: McKee’s loyalty to Alviti contrasts with past governors Data shows the demolition never came close to or surpassed 90 decibels, the level at which sustained exposure could result in hearing loss, overnight. The third microphone appears to have spiked over 80 decibels after 2 a.m., but RIDOT believes it "was likely some other noise" not caused by the bridge work. "It appears to be an outlier and not related to demolition," St. Martin said. "That spike did not show up on the other microphone, which is actually closer to the bridge." RIDOT Director Peter Alviti promised during a virtual public meeting last Thursday that residents would only need to endure three more nights of noisy demolition. Alviti said the reason that noisy demolition work was happening overnight was to avoid gridlock on the heavily traveled Gano Street. Blocking off that street during the daytime, he explained, would be detrimental to those who use it on a daily basis. MORE: RIDOT fields questions in redo of Washington Bridge meeting St. Martin said the noisy overnight construction officially ended Wednesday morning. He explained that, while overnight work on the bridge will continue, it will not involve hammering and therefore will be much quieter. RIDOT expects the old bridge, which abruptly closed last December, to be torn down by the end of next year. Demolition resumed earlier this week after it was halted last month due to the ongoing legal battle. SEE ALSO: Washington Bridge timeline extends demo to late 2025 Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW