The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced the rescheduled date for the change in temporary traffic patterns for I-195 West in Providence. This work was scheduled last week, but persistent wet weather forced its postponement to this week.
Ongoing preventive maintenance work requires a divided highway configuration between the I-95 interchange and the Gano Street exits. The next shift, now expected to be in place by Thursday morning, June 8, changes the number of lanes on either side of the split for I-195 West.
The lane shift for I-195 East took effect last week with two lanes to the left and two to the right of the split. Prior to these changes, there were three lanes to the left and one lane to the right of the split. It is important to note that all lanes are through traffic lanes that continue onto I-195.
Drivers should proceed with caution through the work zone without stopping. The temporary traffic patterns on I-195 East have resulted in some restrictions for traffic seeking to take Exit 2 (India Street). Those driving from I-95 South to I-195 East will not have access to Exit 2 during this stage of the project. A signed detour will be established using Exit 5 to reverse direction to I-195 West, then to Exit 3 (Gano Street).
Lane closures will begin overnight Wednesday on I-195 West starting at 8 p.m. to establish the new traffic pattern. Once the traffic patterns are in place, construction activities will take place behind the protective barrier with no lane closures necessary during daytime and peak travel periods.
Every two to three weeks, the traffic pattern will be modified as RIDOT replaces bridge joints across all lanes of travel. The anticipated schedule for the next stages of the I-195 bridge joint work is as follows:
- Stage 4. (Mid-June - Late June): A divided highway with one lane to the left and three lanes to the right.
- Stage 5. (Late June - Mid-July): All lanes shift to the right and the left shoulder will be closed.
The Providence Area Bridges Project is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
All dates and times are weather-dependent and subject to change. Visit www.dot.ri.gov or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.