RIDOT to make traffic changes in Providence starting May 16

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said it will make traffic changes beginning May 16 on the Broad Street Bridge and the Eddy Street Bridge as well as on the Providence Viaduct service road.

RIDOT will shift all traffic on Broad Street to the side of the Broad Street Bridge that normally carries northbound traffic, which will close the bike lanes on the bridge as well as access to Detroit Avenue.

RIDOT will close a portion of the nearby Eddy Street Bridge and establish a detour for southbound traffic, as well as access to Byfield Street.

The detour for southbound Eddy Street traffic will use Thurbers Avenue, Broad Street and Baker Street.

Both projects are expected to be finished in 2028.

At 9 p.m. on May 16 RIDOT will open additional lanes off Interstate 95 North on the northbound Providence Viaduct service road at Exit 38.

Traffic changes will be as follows:

• At Atwells Avenue Merge: An additional lane will be open here; traffic coming onto the service road from Atwells Avenue will have its own lane over the bridge. At this point there will be three travel lanes instead of two.
• At Route 6/10 & Downtown Merge: An additional lane will be open here; traffic coming onto the service road from Route 6/10 or downtown Providence will have its own lane. At this point there will be four travel lanes instead of three.
• At Route 146: There will be two lanes to the left for traffic to Route 146 and two lanes to the right for traffic to I-95 North. The right lane should be used for anyone wishing to take the State Offices exit.
• On the ramp to I-95 North: RIDOT will move the merge from two lanes to one lane several hundred feet to the north of its current location. This will make it easier for traffic to merge before joining I-95.