The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that it will be changing the traffic pattern on Willard Avenue, close to the R.I. Hospital complex in Providence, as part of the Iway project. Effective September 8, 2010, Willard Avenue from Eddy Street to Plain Street will be one-way westbound.
RIDOT is working with Lifespan to inform the hospital community of this change. Additional signage, including electronic message boards, will be used to notify hospital employees and patients. Motorists can expect delays on Willard Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 8 while the work is completed.
The traffic pattern change is being done in advance of the opening of Exit 1B from I-195 West. This ramp will meet Eddy Street at Willard Avenue. Changing Willard Avenue to a one-way traffic pattern heading away from Eddy Street will ease congestion in this area and avoid traffic conflicts with off-ramp traffic.
RIDOT is scheduled to open Exit 1B in mid-September. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
Motorists with questions can contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information will be available on RIDOT’s website (www.dot.ri.gov) and its social media sites on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Blogger.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007