Rt 95/Rt 146 Lane Shifts On Tap For Providence Viaduct Project

PROVIDENCE, RI — Starting Friday night, commuters who use Interstate 95 and Rt. 146 will see some new lane shifts as they negotiate the maze of Providence highways.

As part of its $265 million Providence 1-95 Viaduct Northbound project, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will mark the changes on parts of I-95 south and Rt. 146 north starting late on April 23.

Interstate 95 southbound between Exit 23 (Charles Street) and Exit 22 (Downtown/Route 6/10) will see lanes shifted to the right. RIDOT says that section of I-95 is often congested, with traffic entering from Rt. 146 and then weaving for the 6/10 Connector. Motorists should stay in their lanes and only change if necessary for exiting the highway or moving into a through lane.

RIDOT will also install a right lane shift at the I-95 northbound Exit 23 ramp, extending for about a quarter of a mile on Rt. 146.

The agency says it “does not anticipate any travel delays,” but that lanes will be narrow. Similar shifts were put in place in March.

Motorists can expect to see construction equipment on the old I-95 southbound viaduct. RIDOT says drivers should not be distracted and continue to move cautiously through the work zone.

A rendering of the new Rt. 146-I-95 alignment plan. (RIDOT)

The lane shifts will provide space for the contractor to work along the highway, install drainage structures and work on bridges. The construction is expected to have limited impact on roadways under the Viaduct and other I-95 bridges. RIDOT will update lane closure information at www.ridot.net/traveladvisories.

In addition to replacing the 1,300-foot I-95 north viaduct, the project will rebuild 10 bridges. It also aims to correct inefficiencies, congestion and safety issues. The viaduct carries more than 220,000 vehicles per day over local roads and highway ramps, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, and the Woonasquatucket River. It is the busiest section of I-95 in Rhode Island and one of the most heavily trafficked highway bridges on the east coast. More project information is available at www.ridot.net/ProvidenceViaduct.

Construction on the entire project will be complete in 2025.

The Providence Viaduct Northbound Project is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.