The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced expanded hours for the temporary closures of I-95 North, from Exit 27 (Downtown) to the Vernon Street on-ramp, in Pawtucket. The accelerated schedule is expected to save two nights of closures.
During the temporary closures, part of the Pawtucket River Bridge Replacement Project, all northbound traffic will be required to use Exit 27 (Downtown) and the Division Street Bridge to bypass the closed highway. All lanes will be reopened each day prior to the morning commute. Schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
The updated schedule is as follows:
Sunday through Wednesday nights, July 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31: • Full highway closure at 11:30 p.m. • Two lanes open at 4:30 a.m. • All lanes open by 5:00 a.m.
Friday morning, July 20, 27: • Full highway closure at 12:00 a.m. • Two lanes open at 4:00 a.m. • All lanes open by 5:00 a.m.
Saturday morning, July 21, 28: • Full highway closure at 12:00 a.m. • All lanes open by 6:00 a.m.
The closures are necessary to continue setting steel for the new northbound span of the Pawtucket River Bridge. This structure is expected to be open by the end of this year, allowing the Department to shift traffic from I-95 South and lift the weight limit from the bridge. Construction will continue into 2013 with the demolition and reconstruction of the southbound bridge.
Detailed information on the project is available at RIDOT's website at www.dot.ri.gov. Motorists with questions can contact RIDOT's Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information can be found on RIDOT's social media sites Twitter and Facebook.
Contact: Heidi Gudmundson (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4009