NEXT PHASE OF I-95 SOUTH LANE SHIFTS BEGINS TONIGHT

Motorists reminded to stay in their lane
These changes begin at 9 p.m. on Friday

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists about
the second phase of traffic pattern changes on I-95 South near Exits 22 (Routes
6/10; Downtown) and Exit 21 (Atwells Avenue) in Providence. RIDOT is shifting the
lanes one at a time as it completes the necessary construction to fully open the
new Providence Viaduct southbound bridge.

Overnight lane closures are planned for I-95 South and Route 146 just prior to the
bridge, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday night. The right lane on Route 146 South will
be closed after the Admiral Street exit, as will the left lane on I-95 South at
Exit 23 (Charles Street). At 10 p.m., the middle lane will be closed on I-95 South
in this area. Access to Exits 22 and Exit 21 will be maintained throughout the night.
All lanes will re-open with the new traffic pattern in place by 6 a.m. tomorrow,
Saturday, October 29.
Phase II for the Providence Viaduct will continue to feature a divided highway.
The new traffic pattern will have one through lane for I-95 South to the left of
the split on the old Viaduct bridge and two through lanes to the right on the new
bridge. All three through lanes will remain for I-95 South traffic. Exit 21 will
still be accessible in the far right lane.
The Department is using pavement striping, traffic signs, and concrete barriers
to implement these changes in three phases. The approximate schedule of the remaining
phases include:

* Phase II: Effective by 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, there will be one through
lane to the left on the old bridge and two through lanes to the right on the new
bridge. Again, traffic taking Exit 21 will have access to the far right lane (which
is an exit-only lane for Atwells Avenue).
* Phase III: In mid-November there will be no traffic splits, with all three lanes
open on the new bridge and one exit-only lane for Exit 21.
RIDOT encourages all motorists to reduce their speed and drive safely through all
work zones. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT will
continue to provide frequent updates on these traffic pattern changes – visit
www.ridot.net