The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will close I-95 North in Providence during the overnight hours on various nights over the next two weeks. Lane closures begin on Monday, July 20, 2009 and full closures are scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23.
RIDOT must close the highway to allow for the safe demolition of old I-195 bridges the Department took out of service in the past year as part of the Iway project. These include the bridges that once carried the ramp from I-95 South to I-195 East (closed in December 2008) and I-195 West to I-95 South (closed in June 2009).
The work zone will be between Exit 18 (Thurbers Ave.) and Exit 21 (Broadway); however motorists will be able to access Exit 19 to reach I-195 East. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, using either I-295 or Route 10. Motorists on I-95 North in the Providence area will need to use Exit 18 and follow a city detour using Allens Avenue, Eddy Street, Dyer Street and Memorial Boulevard to return to I-95 North using the on-ramp adjacent to Providence Place Mall.
During the first week, motorists will find the following restrictions:
Monday & Tuesday, July 20-21: Left and center lanes closed on I-95 North
Wednesday & Thursday July 22-23: I-95 North closed
Lane restrictions will begin at approximately 8 p.m. each night. On evenings when full closures are scheduled, the highway will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. On nights when full closures are not needed but lane closures are needed, RIDOT will maintain at least one open lane. All lanes will be re-opened in time for the morning commute. All work and schedules are weather dependent.
RIDOT will use 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. Information will also be accessible 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. -30-
Contact: Charles St. Martin, 401-222-1326 x. 4007