Due to expected heavy rains, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be phasing in next week’s highway openings.
On Monday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis will join Governor Carcieri, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Victor Mendez, and Providence Mayor David Cicilline for a preview ceremony of the opening of the ramp from I-195 West to I-95 North.
Tuesday morning, October 20, RIDOT will open the ramp from I-95 North to Point Street in time for the morning commute. Commuters traveling on this ramp will have direct access to Point Street, the Jewelry District, the Davol Square area, the hospitals complex, and the west side of Providence.
On Thursday, October 22, RIDOT plans to open the final major segment of the Iway: I-195 West to I-95 North, which includes an off-ramp to Point Street. The contractor has to complete some final striping, minor connective paving and overhead signing and this work cannot be done during rain events. If the weather cooperates, however, RIDOT could open this ramp a day earlier on Wednesday, October 21.
Additionally, once the I-195 West to I-95 North movement is open, motorists traveling on Gano Street and taking the I-195 West on-ramp will have access to both I-95 North and I-95 South. The Wickenden Street and Dyer Street on-ramps to I-195 West will be closed. Motorists who used to travel this area will need to take alternate routes to access I-95 North and I-95 South. The ramp from I-195 West to South Main Street will remain open.
Contact: Heidi Cote at (401) 222-1362 x. 4009