The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that tomorrow, October 29, 2008, it will open a temporary on-ramp from Blackstone Street to I-95 South in Providence. The ramp can only be reached by driving down Blackstone Street westbound from Allens Avenue.
RIDOT built this ramp to provide motorists with an additional option when leaving Providence for points south during construction of the Iway. Specifically, it will serve as the primary detour for those who now use the Broad Street on-ramp to I-95 South. RIDOT expects to close this ramp on November 7 to allow for continued construction of the Iway.
The Department urges motorists who utilize the Broad Street on-ramp to familiarize themselves with the location of the new ramp at Blackstone Street. RIDOT will be installing detour signs along the route from Broad Street to Blackstone Street. Additionally, the Department is installing a new traffic signal at the corner of Point Street and Richmond Street and is upgrading other traffic signals in the area to help maximize traffic flow along the detour route.
The opening of the new ramp at Blackstone Street and the closing next week of the Broad Street on-ramp are part of a series of changes this fall as RIDOT works to open new sections of the Iway to traffic. The changes will impact motorists who travel on I-95 and I-195, as well as those on Providence streets seeking access to and from the highways. Exits and ramps motorists have used for many years will be closing and changing locations.
Changes in traffic patterns traditionally lead to periods of congestion during the first few days as motorists become familiar with the new ramps and exits. Detailed detour maps for all changes can be found on RIDOT’s Web site at www.dot.ri.gov. Motorists may also contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 222-2450 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007
