The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that it will be making changes to split-lane traffic patterns on I-95 North and South in Providence. RIDOT has been splitting traffic on I-95 North and South this fall for continued Iway construction.
The traffic pattern at the first of two splits on I-95 South will change during the overnight hours tonight and be in place for the morning commute tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20, 2009. This change involves the reopening of a third travel lane for I-95 South traffic and a slight shift to the south for the existing split for Exit 20 to I-195 East, near the Broad Street overpass.
The split will now feature three lanes to the left of the split for I-95 South and two lanes to the right for I-195 East. The establishment of the split on October 7 meant a loss of one travel lane while RIDOT worked aggressively, with 24-hour work days, to restore the third lane. This was accomplished one day ahead of schedule.
This split will remain, as will a second split also on I-95 South, until later this year.
RIDOT expects the restoration of the I-95 South travel lane to reduce congestion; however, motorists can still expect slow traffic during commuting hours until the splits are permanently removed. Those seeking to avoid possible backups on I-95 South should consider alternate routes such as I-295 and Route 10.
Later this week on Thursday, October 22, RIDOT will remove the split-lane traffic pattern on I-95 North as part of the operation to open the Iway from I-195 West to I-95 North. The I-95 North split was implemented on September 29, and the work was completed in about three weeks – nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.
Also scheduled for tonight, RIDOT plans to open a new off-ramp (Exit 20) from I-95 North to Point Street in time for tomorrow morning’s commute.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007