Department of Transportation provides update ahead of 95 north traffic changes on eve of snowstorm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation provided an update on several matters on Friday ahead of highway traffic changes on the eve of the first snowstorm this winter.

Director Peter Alviti said the Monday morning commute may be tricky, as heavy snow is expected in parts of the state.

Snow removal crews are ready to “make it look the most like summer as possible,” Alviti said.

Crews will report for duty three to four hours ahead of the snowfall to pre-treat roads. There are more than 425 plows available for the storm, more than in previous years.

The department is prepared with 65,000 tons of salt.

Alviti also said there would be extra tow trucks ready to assist any possible disabled vehicles in the Washington Bridge bypass lanes.

The department also announced Friday that the Providence-Bristol ferry service will come to an end in two weeks due to low ridership. Ferry service will run as normal until Friday, Jan. 19.

The free service was made to relieve commuters impacted by the immediate closure of westbound traffic on the Washington Bridge in December.

Alviti said the bypass lanes added to help ease the flow of traffic have been convenient enough for people to drive and experience minimal delays.

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva addressed the ongoing traffic issues at and around the bridge on Friday, saying he would meet with city officials to see what more could be done.

The timeline for fixing the bridge stands at three months.

When asked about the sudden closure of part of Interstate 95 south in Providence on Thursday afternoon due to emergency repairs, Alviti said RIDOT will rephrase in the future, as people react strongly to the word “emergency.”

New traffic patterns on Interstate 95 north after the Downtown exit and near the Providence Place Mall will begin Saturday as part of the Providence Viaduct Northbound project.

The department’s goal is to reduce traffic buildup and delays surrounding the mall.

Exit 38, for State Offices and 146, will be moved about a mile further south. RIDOT will open a new service road to separate I-95 north through traffic from on and off-ramp traffic.

Drivers who want to get to 146 north or the State Offices exit can take the new exit 38, then go left for 146 off the exit and right for State Offices.

Those using the new service road will be drivers looking to exit toward the 6/10 Connector and the Atwells Avenue on-ramp.

RIDOT told drivers that if they miss their exit, they can take the Branch Avenue exit, which leads to 146 and State Offices. Officials urged drivers against abruptly changing lanes to try to get onto a ramp, as that can cause a crash — especially with the inclement weather.

The new traffic patterns have been delayed several times.

The traffic changes were originally set for Dec. 1, 2023.

For updates on the viaduct project, visit this RIDOT page.