The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that tomorrow, Wednesday, September 8, 2010, it will change the traffic pattern on Willard Avenue, close to the R.I. hospitals complex in Providence. By the afternoon commute, Willard Avenue from Eddy Street to Plain Street will be converted from a two-way street to a one-way street westbound.
The traffic pattern change is being done as part of the Iway project and comes 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. Motorists should note that nearby Borinquen Street is two-way only to Culver Street and does not provide access to Eddy Street.
RIDOT is scheduled to open Exit 1B next week. The current schedule calls for overnight construction to complete the work necessary to open the ramp to traffic for the following morning commute. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
RIDOT is working with Lifespan to inform the hospital community of these changes. Additional signage, including electronic message boards, will be used to notify hospital employees and patients.
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