The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is asking motorists to plan extra travel time or seek alternate routes if they wish to drive on the South Main Street and North Main Street corridor in Providence as construction will require a temporary lane closure lasting about one week, starting on Monday, September 11.
RIDOT is preparing for the installation of a stamped concrete crosswalk just north of the intersection of Park Row, in the vicinity of the Old State House. For this work, only one lane of travel will be open as granite curbing will be installed and cemented into place. A similar travel restriction will be needed in late October/early November when the crosswalk itself is poured. Some on-street parking spaces may be restricted during this work.
The $9.5 million project extends from the intersection of James Street and South Main Street north to the intersection of Smith Street and North Main Street. In addition to repaving the road, RIDOT's project addresses pedestrian safety in this highly traveled vehicular and pedestrian corridor. This included bringing the existing sidewalks and handicap ramps into ADA compliance, improving crosswalks, adding bump outs at non-signalized intersections, new signing and striping, traffic signal system upgrades, and fiber optic cable installation.
Final paving of the road is expected in October, following the completion of utility work on South Main Street that was not part of this project but began after RIDOT started work. By holding off on placing the final course of pavement in the area of the utility work, the final paving surface will be free of any patches or utility cuts.
The concrete crosswalk installation will take place approximately one week after paving to limit the transfer of tar and oils from the new asphalt onto the concrete crosswalk.
The North/South Main Street ADA 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.
To sign up for weekly updates on this and other RIDOT projects around the state, contact help@ridot.net. Visit www.ridot.net or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.
Contact: Charles St. Martin - 401-222-1362 x4007