Periodic closures needed over next few weeks
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will postpone this week’s scheduled overnight closures on I-95 South in Providence. The closures are being planned to allow for the safe demolition of the former Pine Street and Friendship Street overpasses.
Cold and snowy conditions earlier this week resulted in a delay in demolition of the Pine Street bridge’s deck, which must be completed before removal of steel beams begins. Deck removal only requires lane restrictions but beam removal requires full highway closures. RIDOT intends to begin these full closures on Sunday, January 25, 2009. Full closures also are likely during the week of February 1, 2009. RIDOT will announce a full schedule later this week.
RIDOT will continue bridge deck demolition and motorists can expect lane restrictions on I-95 North, I-95 South and the I-195 West to I-95 North connection during this phase of demolition. All lane restriction will begin at 8 p.m. and all full closures will begin at 11 p.m. All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by 5 a.m., prior to the morning commute.
This work is part of the Iway project. The overpasses are being demolished to allow RIDOT to continue construction of the new highway interchange for I-95 and I-195.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007
RIDOT will be using signage and electronic message boards to alert motorists of the closure and detour routes. Up-to-date traveler information will be available on the Department’s website, www.dot.ri.gov