Traffic pattern change scheduled to begin the weekend of August 23
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced a temporary traffic pattern change scheduled for the weekend of August 23 for a busy off-ramp that serves traffic to Route 146 North from I-95 North in Providence. The change will continue to provide a safe construction zone at the ongoing $6.5 million Louisquisset Pike Ramp Bridge rehabilitation project.
On Friday night, August 23 at midnight, through 5 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 24, the off-ramp from I-95 North to Route 146 North at Exit 23 will be closed. Detouring traffic can use the State Offices off-ramp, Orms Street, and then the Charles Street on-ramp for Route 146 North.
Once in place on Saturday morning, the new traffic pattern will feature one lane to the left and one lane to the right of the split at the I-95 North off-ramp to Route 146 North. Although the current traffic pattern with all lanes shifted to the left has not resulted in any major delays, the introduction of a lane split for the next phase of construction may create congestion.
Motorists who use this ramp, as well as the portion of I-95 North that precedes it and the State Offices exit, should plan extra travel time as drivers become accustomed to the change. Approximately 34,900 vehicles per day cross this bridge.
The split-lane traffic pattern will remain in place until mid-fall, and will change when all lanes shift to the right for the last phase of construction. Final completion of the project is scheduled for Fall 2020.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
The rehabilitation of the Louisquisset Pike Ramp Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.