The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that it will be making changes to split-lane traffic patterns on I-95 South in Providence this week. The most significant of these will involve the relocation of Exit 20 for I-195 East over the coming weekend.
Beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009, RIDOT will close the existing two-lane ramp for Exit 20 and begin a phased operation of opening a temporary ramp at the Point Street Overpass, about 1,000 feet south of its current location. During this time, motorists will have only one lane of travel to access I-195 and at least one lane will be closed on I-95 South as well. All work is scheduled to be complete by late morning on Saturday, November 7. Motorists should seek alternate routes during this transition period.
The temporary ramp will be in roughly the same location as it was when Exit 20 opened to the Iway in December 2008. Ongoing Iway construction, however, has shifted I-95 South to the left of its original alignment. The new ramp will have a slight incline, and as such, motorists should reduce speed and exercise caution when using it.
The temporary ramp to Exit 20 will be in place through Fall 2010. RIDOT will then relocate Exit 20 to its permanent location, which will be after the Broad Street Overpass.
RIDOT must relocate the access to Exit 20 in order to allow Iway construction to continue. Work scheduled includes construction of a new on-ramp from Point Street to I-95 South, construction of the permanent ramp for Exit 20, and a new Exit 19 from I-95 South to the hospitals area and Eddy Street. The Department anticipates the Point Street and new Eddy Street ramps to open in late 2010.
Also this week, RIDOT plans to remove a split-lane traffic pattern immediately after this area on I-95 South, near Exit 19 (Eddy Street). Motorists can expect lane restrictions beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4 beginning at 8 p.m. The work is scheduled to be completed prior to the morning commute on Thursday, November 5.
All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Motorists can expect additional congestion on I-95 South during the first few days as drivers become accustomed to all of these changes. Those seeking additional information can visit the Department’s website, www.dot.ri.gov, or contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007
