The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists about ongoing construction in the center of Apponaug village in Warwick, specifically work now taking place on Post Road that will permanently reduce the number of travel lanes from two to one, between the Apponaug Four Corners intersection and West Shore Road.
Construction is ongoing with a rough, gravel driving surface on this section of Post Road. One lane of travel will remain open at all times, but motorists should proceed slowly and allow additional travel time. On-street parking in this area will be restricted during daytime working hours with some parking restrictions during evenings and weekends while the area is under construction.
As part of the Apponaug Circulator, Veterans Memorial Drive and Veterans Memorial Drive Extension opened to two way traffic last fall. These roads now carry the majority of east-west traffic and should be the primary route motorists use when traveling from points west such as Toll Gate Road and the I-95 interchange to points east such as T.F. Green Airport, the West Shore Road area and Greenwood.
Similarly, traffic southbound on Route 5/Greenwich Avenue and headed to points east should use the new roadway and avoid using Apponaug Four Corners and the section of Post Road where the new traffic pattern is being established. RIDOT has observed a significant number of vehicles continuing to use the traditional eastbound route through the village. This results in a longer trip time for them, as well as for drivers heading north into Apponaug from East Greenwich.
RIDOT expects to begin paving of the gravel areas in the next week. When finished, Post Road through the village will be one lane eastbound, with parallel parking on both sides and a bike lane. RIDOT is adding raised crosswalks with bump outs to make it easier and safer for people to cross the street, creating a pedestrian-friendly traffic corridor along which existing and new businesses can expand and develop.
The Apponaug Circulator project remains on time and on budget and is expected to be completed this fall.
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. You can receive direct updates on this project by signing up for our Project Updates by contacting us at help@ridot.net and use the word "Project Updates" in the subject line.