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 in Providence as part of the $10.8 million Oxford Street Bridge rehabilitation project. The changes include lane splits this summer for both northbound and southbound traffic between Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and the I-195 interchange.
This weekend, August 9 and 10, the current split-lane traffic pattern will be changed slightly. On I-95 North, the split will be removed and all travel lanes will shift to the right. On I-95 South, there will be one lane to the left of the split and four to the right. Graphics depicting each stage of the lane splits are available online at www.ridot.net/Oxford.
All travel lanes continue through the work zone. Motorists should not stop or switch lanes as this can lead to crashes or create unnecessary congestion.
The traffic patterns will provide a safe work zone so RIDOT can rapidly replace the bridge deck, one lane at a time. The Department chose the summertime for this work because traffic volumes are lower as compared to other times of the year.
Motorists should plan extra time for their trip, especially during peak morning and afternoon rush hours. To avoid traffic congestion, RIDOT recommends that motorists ride the commuter rail to Providence or Boston during this work. There are 20 stops on weekdays at both Wickford Junction and T.F. Green Stations. See www.RideTheRailsRI.com for more information.
The temporary traffic pattern will change next week, removing the split on the southbound side of the highway. This marks the completion of the traffic splits RIDOT pledged to remove before the start of the school year.
All lanes will shift to the right in both directions into late September.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
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