The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists and residents in the Wickenden Street area of Providence that it will commence overnight demolition of the old I-195 bridge over Wickenden Street beginning on Sunday night. This work is being done as part of the Iway project.
To minimize noise as much as possible, RIDOT is slightly altering its schedule to begin operations one and a half hours earlier than previously announced. Work will begin each night at 6:30 p.m. This will allow the demolition company sufficient time to complete the more intensive and noisy aspects of the demolition earlier in the evening with the goal of completing all hammering activities by midnight. Other activities may continue through the overnight hours, with all work completed by 5 a.m.
“We are doing everything possible to disturbances associated with this work,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. “This demolition is a necessary step we need to take to complete the Iway project and make improvements in the Wickenden Street area.”
During the 6:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. work time, motorists can expect to encounter lane closures, but at least one lane in each direction will be open on Wickenden Street when demolition is taking place. Demolition and lane restrictions are scheduled for Sunday through Thursday nights. Additional work may be needed the following week, however, RIDOT expects that will take place during the daytime and not require any lane closures.
All schedules are weather dependent and subject to change. Snow or extreme cold could cause delays in the schedule.
The demolition is being performed in advance of future improvements along Wickenden Street, and the relocation of Exit 2 on I-195 West later this year. The existing ramp to South Main Street would then be closed and the new ramp would bring motorists to the corner of Wickenden Street and Benefit Street.
This demolition work is not part of the more extensive demolition contract that RIDOT will advertise and award this spring that will raze the majority of the old I-195 highway. RIDOT also will make further improvements to the intersections of Wickenden Street and Benefit Street and Wickenden Street and South Main Street under a separate contract.
Motorists who have questions about this project are urged to contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 222-2450.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007