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Traffic Advisory Reminder: Next Phase of I-95 South Lane Shifts Begins Tonight

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists about the second phase of traffic pattern changes on I-95 South near Exits 22 (Routes 6/10; Downtown) and Exit 21 (Atwells Avenue) in Providence. RIDOT is shifting the lanes one at a time as it completes the necessary construction to fully open the new Providence Viaduct southbound bridge.

Overnight lane closures are planned for I-95 South and Route 146 just prior to the bridge, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday night. The right lane on Route 146 South will be closed after the Admiral Street exit, as will the left lane on I-95 South at Exit 23 (Charles Street). At 10 p.m., the middle lane will be closed on I-95 South in this area. Access to Exits 22 and Exit 21 will be maintained throughout the night.

All lanes will re-open with the new traffic pattern in place by 6 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, October 29.

Phase II for the Providence Viaduct will continue to feature a divided highway. The new traffic pattern will have one through lane for I-95 South to the left of the split on the old Viaduct bridge and two through lanes to the right on the new bridge. All three through lanes will remain for I-95 South traffic. Exit 21 will still be accessible in the far right lane.

The Department is using pavement striping, traffic signs, and concrete barriers to implement these changes in three phases. The approximate schedule of the remaining phases include:

Phase II: Effective by 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, there will be one through lane to the left on the old bridge and two through lanes to the right on the new bridge. Again, traffic taking Exit 21 will have access to the far right lane (which is an exit-only lane for Atwells Avenue).

Phase III: In mid-November there will be no traffic splits, with all three lanes open on the new bridge and one exit-only lane for Exit 21.

RIDOT encourages all motorists to reduce their speed and drive safely through all work zones. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT will continue to provide frequent updates on these traffic pattern changes – visit www.ridot.net for the most current information.

Contact: Charles St. Martin (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4007

Related links

  • Department or agency: Department of Transportation
  • Online: http://www.dot.ri.gov
  • Release date: 10-28-2016

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