The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will install traffic delineators – flexible, paddle-like markers – at the junction of I-95 South and Route 146 South this week. This is being done on a trial basis to improve safety at the merge and reduce congestion caused by vehicles merging too early.
The delineators will be placed along the solid white lines at the actual merge point and extend approximately 400 feet south on I-95. These markers are scheduled to be installed during the overnight hours on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, and be in place for the morning commute on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
There is a history of traffic congestion on both highways at this interchange. RIDOT believes that moving the merging area further south will make it easier for motorists to change lanes, whether they wish to continue on I-95 South or take Exit 22 for access to Downtown or Route 6.
The delineators will be in place for two weeks to gauge their effectiveness. RIDOT will then determine if permanent changes should be made to make the highways safer and function more efficiently.
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
