Faded, broken signs on 146 set to be replaced by RIDOT

@Ellie_Romano

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island Department of Transportation is spending nearly $10 million to replace highway signage and structures along route 146.

Officials with RIDOT said the signs haven’t been replaced for at least 20 years. Several signs are broken and faded.

“You can’t even read the signs. You don’t know what exit is what,” said Rhode Island driver Dave Hansen. 

RIDOT officials said in a press release: “The signs are deteriorated and do not meet modern standards. The signs also lack the proper reflectivity for easy viewing, particularly at night.”

The department now plans on replacing 150 signs on 146 between Providence and the Massachusetts state line. 

“It’s good they’re finally getting around to it because it’s dangerous for drivers,” said Hansen.

RIDOT is currently working on replacing signs from the North Smithfield area up to the state line. The department wants to have that portion of the project done by the fall.

Then next summer RIDOT will replace signs south of North Smithfield. 

The entire project should be done by the end of 2021, according to RIDOT.