RIDOT: Lane split pattern changing this weekend

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6 

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – To make progress on the Oxford Street Bridge rehabilitation project, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists about the next step in a series of temporary traffic pattern changes on I-95. 

According to RIDOT, the changes include lane splits this summer for both northbound and southbound traffic between Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and the I-195 Interchange.

The current split-lane traffic will be slightly changed this weekend. I-95 North traffic will have two lanes on either side of a lane split. 

On I-95 South, there will be three lanes to the left of the split and two on the right, according to RIDOT. 

RIDOT says only during this phase of the project, approximately one week, I-95 South traffic will not be able to access Exit 18. 

RIDOT says use Exit 19 (eddy Street) for the R.I Hospitals campus and Exit 17 (Elmwood Avenue) for South Providence. 

Exit 18 will only be open for I-195 West ramp traffic. 

All travel lanes continue through the work zone. Motorists should not stop or switch lanes as this can lead to crashes and create unnecessary congestion, says RIDOT. 

The traffic patterns will provide a safe work zone to RIDOT and quickly replace the bridge deck, one lane at a time. 

The introduction of lane splits, coupled with an existing short merge for on-ramp traffic from Thurbers Avenue and Allens Avenue to I-95 North, may cause additional delays during rush hour periods. 

RIDOT suggests motorists using the Thurbers/Allens Avenue on-ramp use alternate routes to avoid travel during the busiest times of the day. 

RIDOT also says motorists should plane extra time for their trip, especially during peak morning and afternoon rush hours.

It is recommended by RIDOT that motorists ride the commuter rail to Providence or Boston during this work. See www.RideTheRailsRi.com for further details.

The temporary traffic pattern will change every one to two weeks and all split-lane configurations are schedule to be complete by the end of August. 

Traffic lane shifts are expected to be removed by the end of September. 

The department chose the summertime for this work because traffic volumes are lower as compared to other seasons. 

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