The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that overnight closures scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, January 27, 2009 on I-95 South in Providence have been canceled. Motorists may still expect to see lane closures on I-95 North and South between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. At least one lane will remain open at all times.
RIDOT is canceling tonight’s overnight closure because of the excellent progress achieved last night on the demolition of the former Pine Street and Friendship Street overpasses. The segments of those bridges that spanned I-95 South were completely removed last night.
The Department plans to resume overnight closures on Wednesday and Thursday, January 28-29, 2009 on I-95 North. Motorists may encounter lane restrictions beginning at 8 p.m. with full closures beginning at 11 p.m. All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by 5 a.m., prior to the morning commute.
The closure schedule is subject to change and additional nights may be added. All work is weather dependent. RIDOT expects to conduct overnight closures next week and will announce a projected schedule later this week.
Remaining closures this week on I-95 North are between Exit 19 (I-195 East) and Exit 21 (Atwells Avenue/Broadway). Access will be maintained to Exit 19 for I-195 East. Through traffic in Providence will need to use Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and follow the city detour using Allens Avenue, Eddy Street, Dyer Street and Memorial Boulevard to the on-ramp for I-95 North near Providence Place Mall. Hospital traffic will not be affected. Use Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) to Eddy Street without detour.
RIDOT strongly advises motorists traveling through Providence during the overnight hours to use either I-295 or Route 10 to bypass the closure area.
RIDOT will use signage and electronic message boards to alert motorists of the closure and detour routes. Up-to-date traveler information and detour maps are available on the Department’s website, www.dot.ri.gov. Information is also available by dialing 511 (1-888-401-4511 for out of state callers), listening to 1630 AM on RIDOT’s Highway Advisory Radio, or by calling RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007