The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists about the second phase of traffic pattern changes on I-95 South at Exit 21 (Atwells Avenue) in Providence. Overnight lane closures are planned for I-95 South and Route 146 just prior to the bridge, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday night. All lanes will re-open with the new traffic pattern in place by 6 a.m. Saturday.
Phase II for the Providence Viaduct will feature a divided highway. The new traffic pattern will have one through lane for I-95 South to the left of the split on the old Viaduct and two through lanes to the right on the new bridge. All three through lanes will remain for I-95 South traffic. Exit 21 will still be accessible in the far right lane.
The Department is using pavement striping, traffic signs, and concrete barriers to implement these changes in three phases. The approximate schedule of the remaining phases include:
Phase 2: Effective by 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, there will be one through lane to the left on the old bridge and two through lanes to the right on the new bridge. Again, traffic taking Exit 21 will have access to the far right lane (which is an exit-only lane for Atwells Avenue).
Phase 3: In mid-November there will be no traffic splits, with all three lanes open on the new bridge and one exit-only lane for Exit 21.
The ongoing work will transition all travel lanes on I-95 South to a new Providence Viaduct bridge, which is being built adjacent to the old bridge. RIDOT is moving the lanes one at a time as it completes the necessary construction to open the new bridge.
RIDOT encourages all motorists to reduce their speed and drive safely through all work zones. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT will continue to provide frequent updates on these traffic pattern changes – visit www.ridot.net for the most current information.
