Drivers prepare for traffic, as overnight lane closures begin on I195

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Beginning Wednesday night lanes on I-195 will close, including ones on the Braga bridge. People who travel on it regularly say whenever there is construction or a lane closure, heavy traffic comes along with it.
 
"It’s a back up, all the way, I would say 3 or 4 miles, both sides. It’s a real hassle," says Fall River resident, Ron Berube.
 
There will be single lane closures beginning Wednesday night and will run through Saturday morning. One lane in each direction will be closed and traffic shifted between the Somerset and Fall River sides of the bridge from 8pm to 6 am in the morning. The lane shifts are put in place, to allow contractors to make repairs to the median. It is part of the route 79/Braga bridge improvements project, which was approved and awarded 197 million dollars in June of 2013. Mass dot says the end result will be a new roadway and bridge with options for vehicles pedestrians and bicyclists.

However this week, it could potentially lead to crews finishing up during the morning rush hour.
 
"It is very frustrating, it’s always something. It’s like when is this going to be done?" says Somerset resident, Mariah Doherty.
 
Local businesses in the area want people to know that lane closures do not affect business hours.
 
"The traffic is definitely frustrating, like one of those want to pull your hair out moments, but still come in, still shop.  We have new pieces every week, don’t let it deter you," says a sales representative from Aura Boutique.

While the delays may be frustrating, the Massachusetts dot is reminding all drivers who are traveling through work zone areas to slow down and use caution.
Drivers we spoke with say, to avoid the traffic, they utilize the veterans memorial bridge.

(c)WLNE-TV 2016