Lane shifts and lane reductions needed for bridge construction
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced lane shifts and traffic pattern changes at the Horton Farm Bridge on I-195 in East Providence this coming weekend. Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 19, through Monday, October 22 at 6 a.m., RIDOT will implement a temporary traffic pattern using crossover lanes from Exit 6 (Broadway) to the Massachusetts state line.
These changes are needed so RIDOT can continue demolishing portions of the structurally deficient Horton Farm Bridge, and to address an urgent structural issue on one of the bridge abutments.
The bridge carries traffic from the East Shore Expressway to I-195 West. RIDOT recently opened a newly constructed portion of this bridge, and is now moving into a new phase of construction to replace the other half of the structure. RIDOT's phased approach to the Horton Farm Bridge demolition and replacement keeps this vital link to I-195 open for East Bay residents and businesses.
These same traffic patterns were successfully implemented in June for the initial demolition operations, with minor travel delays. RIDOT advises motorists to plan additional time for travel along I-195 this weekend.
Throughout the weekend, the traffic pattern will shift between the eastbound and westbound sides of the bridge, with at least two lanes open in each direction during the daytime and evening hours and one lane in each direction during overnight hours, from midnight to 6 a.m.
The East Shore Expressway itself will not be affected by this weekend's construction. The left lane of the East Shore Expressway, starting before the Horton Farm Bridge, remains closed through Summer 2019. The Horton Farm Bridge Replacement Project was 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 .
