Heads up, travelers! If you’re hitting I-95 in Rhode Island next weekend, prepare for some delays. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is closing lanes from September 20-23 for bridge replacement work.
Expect two southbound lanes near the Elmwood Avenue/Route 1 off-ramp (Exit 34) in Providence to be closed. Consider using Route 10 or I-295 as alternate routes, and plan for extra travel time.
The southbound lanes are the focus this time, but northbound lanes will face similar closures later this fall. About 130,000 vehicles use this busy stretch daily, so expect some congestion. Lanes close at 8 p.m. each Friday and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday. The high-speed northbound lane will also be closed during these times.
Starting September 11 and continuing through September 20, a lane split will happen on I-95 South at the bridge. Two lanes will run on either side of the work zone. Drivers should stay in their lanes and avoid sudden stops or lane changes.
Elmwood Avenue at the I-95 overpass will be completely closed. Detours will reroute drivers via Reservoir Avenue (Route 2) and Route 10. Local traffic can use Roger Williams Avenue. Traffic on Elmwood Avenue northbound or I-95 north to Exit 33B to Roger Williams Park won’t be affected. Those heading to the park via I-95 south or Elmwood Avenue southbound should follow the detour.
Key Dates to Remember:
- September 16-20: Lane split continues on I-95 South at Exit 34, with all lanes remaining open.
- September 20-23: Two right lanes on I-95 South and the left lane on I-95 North close at 8 p.m. Friday, September 20. Elmwood Avenue closes at the bridge again. All reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, September 23.
Source: Truckers News
