Traffic & Transit
Massive Pothole On Rte. 146 Causes Commuter Headaches
RIDOT blames the issues on extreme weather swings in what they say was already a vulnerable area of pavement.
North Smithfield, R.I. -- A massive pothole opened on Route 146 North in North Smithfield early Thursday morning, leading to massive backups.
According to the Rhode Island State Police, the crater opened just after 7 a.m. and caused damage to eight vehicles.
Charles St. Martin, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Transit, said the issue happened to due to several factors. The area is already the site of two separate construction projects and this week's wild swings in temperature further weakened the pavement.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Roadwork cleared on RI 146 NB at Exit (Great Rd.) in North Smithfield
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 24, 2019
Disabled Vehicle, Left lane, Right Shoulder blocked on RI 146 NB at Exit (Rte. 5 to Rte. 102 - Forestdale/Slatersville) in North Smithfield
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 24, 2019
"That area is already in rough shape, that's why we're working on it," St. Martin told Patch. "The cycle of freezing, thawing, and rain was just too much for it."
State Police shut down the high-speed lane as crews worked to address the problem, and a temporary patch was put in place by 9 a.m.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
St. Martin said a more permanent patch will be put into place on Friday to prevent further issues.
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