The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will close the low speed (right) lane of the Washington Bridge Eastbound (I-195 East) from 5 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2008. All lanes will re-open for the Monday morning commute.
As part of the Washington Bridge replacement project, RIDOT needs to pour and cure a new concrete travel lane that will ultimately connect to the existing low speed lane. This new section will make up the shoulder, breakdown lane, and exit lane.
Closing the lane once the concrete is poured will minimize vibration so that the concrete can cure and bond to the existing concrete deck. The lane closure will start at Exit 3 (Gano Street) and end before Exit 4 (Taunton Avenue). Trucks are being asked to travel only in the middle lane to further reduce vibration.
Similar weekend closures for the first and second concrete pours took place in August 2007 and May 2008 and caused only slight delays. Nevertheless, motorists are advised to build extra time into their schedules, as delays could occur.
This weekend’s closure is the last of three necessary to create one continuous travel lane.
Frances Segerson 401-222-1362 Ext. 4012