The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that the second phase of the ongoing operation to transition I-95 South travel lanes to the new Providence Viaduct will take place this coming weekend, October 29-30. One lane at a time, RIDOT is moving I-95 southbound traffic onto the new bridge.
Phase II will 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 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.
"We thank the motoring public for their patience," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. "As is the case with the traffic pattern in place now, we urge motorists to follow information presented on overhead signage and to remember that they can continue onto I-95 South on either side of the split. There is no need to change lanes as they drive onto the bridge."
The Department will use pavement striping, traffic signs, and concrete barriers to implement these changes in three phases. The approximate schedule of the remaining phases include:
• Phase 2: Effective the weekend of October 29-30, 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 3: 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.
Contact: Charles St. Martin (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4007
